9th SIPPAD Assembly condemns killing of media man

By ALICE NICART (PIA Eastern Samar)
December 3, 2008

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar  –  The 9th Assembly today at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) marked the drafting of a resolution which strongly condemned the death yesterday afternoon, of radio broadcaster Leo Luna Mila who according to reports was shot near the gate of Radyo Natin (FM) in San Roque, Northern Samar while on his way home after his radio program.

The victim sustained 6 gunshot wounds, 2 on the thighs, 2 on shoulders, 1 breast and 1 on the head. Responding authorities saw his motorcycle with the engine still running, but his dead body was found few meters away from the station's gate. The report added that Mila was known to be vocal and “hard hitting” against irregularities in government.

However, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone who also has the heart for media practitioners reacted by saying that the crime must had been done to silence the media thus, he insisted that the inclusion of the following clause be included in the draft:  “We view the killing as another assault to press freedom”.  Evardone also stressed that a thorough investigation be conducted by police authorities so as to put the perpetrators behind bars.

Asked to comment on the crime, Gen. Lanuza of the 8ID said that to arrest the criminals, they need the full support of the public, referring to the much needed information which will contribute to their immediate arrest.