Another RMN broadcaster gunned down in Roxas City
ROXAS CITY – A hard-hitting anchorman of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) here was shot dead by two gunmen yesterday, just three days after a broadcaster of the same radio network in General Santos City was also attacked.
Martin Roxas, 32, a native of Maayon, Capiz and temporarily residing at Malipayon Village, Tiza this city was shot by two motorcycle-riding suspects around 1:30 p.m. along Bayot Drive. Roxas has just finished his noontime radio program "Targetanay sa Udto" at RMN-DYVR and was about to go home for lunch when reached by the gunmen.
He was rushed to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital but declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. Roxas suffered a lone but fatal gunshot wound at his back resulting to his instant death.
A lady witness, who requested not to be identified, told The News Today (TNT) that she saw the two motorcycle-riding gunmen tailing Roxas along Bayot Drive before they shoot the latter at close range. She said, after shooting Roxas the suspects escaped towards Ivisan, Capiz.
The witness added that Roxas's motorcycle bumped at a lotto outlet meters away from where he was shot.
Police later identified two suspects, namely, Christian Tan and Jonel Lastimoso. Tan was arrested at a police checkpoint in Ivisan while Lastimoso was able to escape.
Chief Insp. Leo Batiles of the Roxas PNP said they are still investigating the motive of the killing.
Meanwhile, Ely Abarra, Station Manager of RMN-DYVR, told TNT that Roxas's untimely demise is a big loss to the network.
However, he added that the death of Roxas is never a hindrance to RMN Roxas to tell the truth and to continue its crusade of exposing graft and corruption, injustices and abuse of power.
Abarra said Roxas has been tackling many controversial issues in his program such as the alleged anomalies at city hall, capitol, the proposed skywalks and relocation site in Culasi.
Two weeks ago, Roxas was also kicked by two unidentified persons upon reaching Kilometer One here while he was going home for lunch. He, however, managed to fight back prompting his attackers to run away.