22 May 2006
Fernando Batul
Shooting
Fernando Batul, a commentator for Radio DZRH in Puerto Princessa, Palawan Island, was shot dead on 22 May.
The journalist, who was shot six times, was ambushed by two gunmen on motorcycles as he drove to work. The killing came one week after two hand grenades were thrown at his house, but failed to detonate. The attackers also left a letter threatening harm to his family if Batul continued his critical broadcasts. Batul was a former vice mayor of Puerto Princessa and had been highly critical of the current mayor.
Police have indicated the murder of Batul appeared to be the work of hired killers. Just prior to his murder, Batul had uncovered and broadcast a case of illegal recruitment of workers in which officials were implicated. Four witnesses identified Aaron Golipardo, a member of the national police, as the person who shot Batul from a motorcycle. He was arrested on 24 May. The accomplice has not yet been identified. Police have reported that the motive for the murder may have been the journalist’s comments about Golipardo’s violent behaviour.
Batul had accused the policeman on the air of threatening a waitress with his pistol. The police added that Golipardo had already been accused of links to other murders.
