PNP, NBI asked to arrest mastermind in anchor’s slay

MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to effect the immediate arrest of Dante Tabosares, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Brigada News FM anchor Eduardo Dizon in July last year.

This, after Presiding Judge Henelinda MolinaDiaz of Kidapawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 61 ordered the arrest of Tabosares, alias Bong Encarnacion, under Criminal Case 5281-2019.

The warrant was issued on January 15, 2020 and a copy of which was transmitted to the PTFoMS Secretariat in Malacañang.

“Tabosares tried to further delay the issuance of a warrant for his arrest with his pleadings before the court. Delays are expected but, ultimately, justice will prevail. Again, I commend the Task Force for closely monitoring and responding, not only in this case but for each case of media violence in its inventory,” said PTFoMS co-chair and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar.

For his part, PTFoMS Executive Director and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco welcomed this “battle won” in the quest for justice.

“Tabosares will be dealt with in accordance with our laws. The issuance of a warrant for his arrest is proof of the independence and competence of the judiciary. The wheels of justice maybe slow but it is turning. All of the accused will be accorded due process,” Egco said.

On Sept. 30, 2019, Diaz also issued a warrant of arrest warrant for Junell Poten, alias Junell Gerozaga, and Sotero Jacolbe Jr., alias Jun Jacolbe, in connection with the murder charges filed against them by the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office.

Jacolbe immediately surrendered to authorities, while Poten remains at large and is currently being tracked down by police operatives.