Journalist slain in Masbate

6.13.09

LEGAZPI CITY -- Amid celebration of the 112th Philippine Independence day, a writer of a local newspaper was gunned down in Uson town, Masbate on Friday morning, a police spokesperson reported Saturday.

Antonio Castillo, 45, a correspondent of Bigwas tabloid was shot dead at around 9:00 am, while on his way home, driving his Honda motorcycle along the highway of Purok 1 in Marcella village, Uson town, Masbate, Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson said.

Natuel added that the slain journalist was ambushed by two gunmen, who were riding in a Honda motorcycle with no plate number.

Initial investigation showed that the assailants, using unknown pistol suddenly fired shots at the victim, who were few meters behind his back.

On the other hand, the victim sustained gunshots on the lower portion of his back.

The witnesses immediately brought the victim to Masbate Provincial Hospital, however at around 12:00 p.m. Castillo died while being treated by the physician.

Uson Police is still investigating whether the killing of the journalist was politically-motivated.

Antonio Castillo is being remembered as the 3rd slain journalist in the Philippines this year, who pursued press freedom despite media harassment. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon