Police identify suspect in slaying of media man

DAVAO CITY — The regional office of the Philippine National Police in Region 11 (PNP PRO-11) has already identified the suspect in the killing of Gregorio “Greg” Ybañez, publisher of the local newspaper Kabayan News in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Supt. Antonio Rivera, spokesperson of PNP-PRO 11 told reporters during the regular AFP-PNP Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here that the provincial police office in Davao del Norte had already briefed him on the developments of the case including the identity of the gunman.

Ybañez was shot in the evening of August 18 near his residence in Purok Santan, Mirafuentes Subdivision, Magupo North, Tagum City.

Ybañez also served as a member of the board of the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative – National Electrification Administration (DANECO-NEA).

He died in the morning of August 19 at a hospital in the area where he was rushed.

Witnesses to the crime also came out and are now cooperating with the police, Rivera added.

“Right now they are trying to tie-up some loose ends to strengthen their case.”

Rivera said charges will be filed in court next week. He did not reveal the name of the suspect.

“As to the motive of the killing, the Davao del Norte PNP told me that it has something to do with Ybañez being a member of the board of DANECONEA,” Rivera pointed out. He did not elaborate pending the completion of the investigation.