Grudge eyed in Negros volunteer reporter’s slay

BACOLOD CITY – Probers are looking into the possible involvement of a gun-for-hire in the killing of a volunteer radio reporter in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, Western Visayas police director, said yesterday probers are eyeing a grudge as a possible motive for the killing of Julius Barellano of Radyo Bandera SweetFM Bacolod.

Bulalacao said they received reports that Barellano, who was also former chairman of the local chapter of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, had financial problems and allegedly victimized some businessmen.

The mastermind could have tapped a contract killer, Bulalacao said.

Motorcycle-riding men shot Barellano several times in front of his residence in Barangay Rizal on June 27.

Bulalacao said he ordered Superintendent D’ Artagnan Katalbas, San Carlos police chief, not to leave any stone unturned to determine the motive for the killing, the mastermind as well as gunman. Katalbas said they have identified several persons of interest who may shed light on the incident.

The New People’s Army (NPA) had earlier urged the police to conduct a thorough probe as it expressed concern that the killing was related to the government’s all-out war against perceived enemies of the state, including communist rebels.