The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to conduct an intensified region-wide manhunt for the killer of a Himamaylan City job order worker, who also worked as a community radio block-timer.
Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, 49, who was the host of Waswasanay sa Quinto Distrito aired on 88.3 DNN News FM based in Himamaylan City, was killed in Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Friday, March 20.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security on Sunday, March 22, issued a statement condemning the killing of Calo.
“Such an attack on a journalist poses a significant threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists in our country,” it said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Calo. His death serves as a reminder of the dangers that media practitioners face in the line of duty”, it added.
Police investigation disclosed that the victim was standing in front of his house beside the road when a white SUV, coming from the direction of La Carlota City, stopped in front of him.
A person onboard the vehicle then shot the victim in the head, causing his instantaneous death, the police said.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security said it is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.
“We have already coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to prioritize and expedite the investigation of this case,” it said.
“Safeguarding press freedom is a collective responsibility. We call upon all stakeholders, including media organizations and civil society, to unite in defending the fundamental rights of journalists and ensuring their safety,” the task force said.
“We urge the public and the media community to remain vigilant and provide any information that may aid in resolving and investigative operations following the fatal shooting”, it added.
The PRO NIR, in a press statement, said the calculated nature of the attack is now the subject of a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has been directed to activate the SITG to ensure focused, coordinated, and results-oriented case build-up, it said.
The SITG is currently conducting extensive CCTV backtracking operations across La Castellana, La Carlota City, and adjacent areas to establish the movement, entry, and escape routes of the suspect’s vehicle.
Simultaneously, regional support units have been mobilized to augment ground operations, including the establishment of strategic checkpoints and dragnet operations along possible escape corridors, the PRO NIR said.
These measures are aimed at restricting suspect mobility and generating actionable intelligence for immediate law enforcement action, it said.
The PRO NIR has also directed the strengthening of witness identification, protection, and case documentation, ensuring that all available evidence is secured to support the filing of airtight criminal charges.
The ongoing investigation is focused on determining the motive behind the incident, including possible personal, professional, or targeted attack angles, while intelligence units are working to identify all individuals involved, including accomplices, the PRO NIR said.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, PRO NIR director, said, “This is a deliberate act of violence, and we expect results. I directed Negros Occidental PPO to exhaust all investigative and operational means to identify and arrest the perpetrator at the soonest possible time and ensure that no lead is left unpursued.”
The public is encouraged to report any information that may assist in the investigation, the PRO NIR said.*
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