Police identify radioman’s killer; manhunt on

BUTUAN CITY – Police authorities here have identified the suspect in the stabbing and killing of a radio commentator after follow-up investigation.

This, after the Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) intensified its manhunt operation against the suspect in the killing of DXJM-Butuan City commentator Francisco Patindol last Saturday.

Regional Director P/Brig. Gen. Gilberto DC Cruz on Monday also offered a R50,000-reward for anyone who can provide information on the whereabouts of

the suspect.

Cruz, ordered the BCPO A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) headed by P/Lt. Col. Glenn C. Sampaga, deputy city director for operations of BCPO to gather all the pieces of evidence and immediately file appropriate charges in court against the suspect.

The identity of the suspect was withheld by police authorities pending his arrest.

Patindol was standing with his friends outside the Alba Copy Center on Narra Road, Barangay New Society when he was stabbed at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The suspect immediately fled on foot after the incident.

“We already identified the suspect and witnesses and a case of murder will be filed against the suspect who is now subject for manhunt operation. We are using all available resources to track down the suspect to give justice to the victim and his family,” Cruz told The Manila Bulletin on Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said while the motive of the killing has yet to be established, the group has asked authorities to look deeper into Patindol’s case.