By Ramil H. Bajo
KORONADAL CITY — The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), a prominent guardian of press freedom in the nation, has issued a strong denouncement of the murder of radio broadcaster Nestor “Teting” Micator.
The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of May 21 in Malidegao town, located within the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to an initial police report, the media organization stated that Micator, who served as a news anchor and commentator for D’ Empire Radio in Pikit, Cotabato, was fatally shot by an unidentified perpetrator.
The attack took place outside the barangay hall of Barangay Fort Pikit, in the presence of his wife, as he was preparing to get on his motorcycle.
The report further indicated that the attacker, accompanied by an accomplice, escaped to an unspecified location following the assault.
In a statement sent to The INFORMER, the NPC expressed its condemnation of the recent act of violence and offered heartfelt symphaties to the family, friends, colleagues, and listeners of Micator.
(Note: The Weekly INFORMER is a local newspaper based in Koronadal City.)
In its statement, the NPC said the authorities in the area are still investigating the incident “to determine the motive behind the killing, including whether the incident was connected to his work as a broadcaster or his role as a member of the Lupong Pambarangay.”
“We at the NPC urged investigators to pursue all possible angles and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice swiftly,” said NPC President Leonel Magistrado Abasola in the statement.
Abasola expressed that the recent murder of a media member raises significant alarms, as violent acts against journalists threatens press freedom and the public’s right to information, as well as the “democratic space” where community issues can be openly discussed.
Abasola said the National Press Club is closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies to determine the progress of the investigation.
“We are urging the police and the community to cooperate fully in order to identify those involved and establish accountability,” Abasola said.
Abasola also expressed the “NPCs commitment to uphold the safety and security of media workers across the country in order to strengthen mechanisms to ensure the protection of journalists from threats, harassment, and violence.”
Rose L.Tamayo, the NPC in-charge for Mindanao and Visayas Affairs also strongly condemns the killing of Micator as she urges the authorities for the immediate capture of the possible perpetrators.
“The leadership of NPC is now closely coordinating with our concerned government agencies on the matter,”, Tamayo said. (RHB)
Photos from Rose L. Tamayo
NPC in-charge for Mindanao and Visayas Affairs.