PNP, PTFoMS step up coordination in probe into Albay broadcaster’s killing
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) as investigators pursue leads in the killing of an Albay-based broadcaster Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte.
PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said a conference of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Golden Boy was held on Thursday, October 15, as authorities continued efforts to identify the perpetrators.
Investigators are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, interviewing possible witnesses, and tracing the movements of the suspects before and after the killing.
“Meron tayong sinusundan na mga leads dito,” Co said, adding that authorities were also using other available investigative tools to establish the identities of those responsible.
Facial composites of the suspects have yet to be produced.
Co said investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, stressing that authorities were looking into all possible angles, including whether the attack was work-related.
He said investigators were also checking the motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects, noting that identifying the vehicles could help authorities trace their registered owners.
The PNP acknowledged the possibility that the killing was connected to the victim’s commentaries, but cautioned against drawing conclusions while the investigation remained ongoing.
“Premature to conclude na dahil sa trabaho niya but it is very much possible na connected sa work niya,” Co said.
Meanwhile, Co said that the PNP continued to hold regular meetings with the PTFoMS to discuss measures to strengthen the protection of media practitioners.
He said the task force expressed concern over the broadcaster’s killing, which the PNP condemned.
The PNP said that discussions with the PTFoMS also covered improvements to existing procedures and protocols, as well as other programs intended to ensure the safety of journalists.