BACOLOD City — Malacañang has launched an investigation into the killing of a radio broadcaster in Negros Occidental, with initial findings pointing to a possible work-related motive.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) strongly condemned the killing of broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, who was shot dead on March 20 in La Castellana town.
Calo, known for hosting the radio program “Waswasanay sa Quinto Distrito” on 88.3 DNN News FM in Himamaylan City, was also serving as a job order worker in the local government at the time of his death.
In a statement, PTFoMS expressed its condolences to Calo’s family, friends, and colleagues, stressing that the incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by media practitioners in the country.
“This attack on a journalist poses a serious threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers,” the task force said.
During a media conference held on March 24 at the Kanlaon Hall of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), Atty. Francis Rupert Mangrobang of PTFoMS said the task force is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift justice.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that justice is served. We have already coordinated with local law enforcement to prioritize and expedite the investigation,” Mangrobang said.
Initial police reports indicated that Calo was standing in front of his house near the roadside when a white SUV approached from the direction of La Carlota City. An unidentified assailant then opened fire before fleeing toward the town center of La Castellana.
Mangrobang said he, along with Atty. Glenn Eric Peralta of PTFoMS, was deployed to Negros Occidental from March 23 to 25 to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The task force is coordinating with the Philippine National Police and other member agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Justice, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Also present during the conference was Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of NOCPPO, who reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the case.
Authorities are urging the public and the media community to remain vigilant and to provide any information that may assist in identifying the perpetrators.
“Safeguarding press freedom is a shared responsibility,” the task force said. “We call on all stakeholders, including media organizations and civil society, to stand united in protecting journalists and upholding their fundamental rights.”
Peralta said that since 2022, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the task force has handled nine media-related cases, with the La Castellana incident being the first recorded case for this year./PN
