Special DOJ panel probes murder of publisher out to expose Gov. Cua

VIRAC, Catanduanes — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a special panel of prosecutors to expedite the resolution of the murder case of local newspaper publisher, Larry Que, who was shot dead before publishing a story on the governor’s alleged links to illegal drugs.

This was revealed last June 21 by DOJ Assistant Secretary Juvy R. Manwong, speaking at the Regular Meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) at Malacañang.

It will be recalled that Que was gunned down on the rainy day of December 19 last year while entering an insurance office in this municipality. The triggerman fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

Prior to the shooting incident, Que was preparing to release the 2nd issue of his local newspaper, Catanduanes News Now or CNN, which supposedly was to contain revelations on the operation of illegal drugs in the province.

Last June 23, the PTFoMS released a statement that Que had allegedly named Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua as the one responsible for the operation of the drug laboratory uncovered in the province.

With the killing of Que, the supposed revelation in his paper CNN tagged as an “ultimate expose of the Cuas” never saw print.

Edralyn Pangilinan, common-law wife of Que, has filed a murder case against Gov. Cua, PO1 Vincent Tacorda, Prince Lim Subion, and two John Does before the DOJ.