NORTHERN DISPATCH
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CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Bantay, Ilocos Sur — The principal suspect in the murder attempt of a veteran broadcaster in Ilocos Sur has already been identified by the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office.

Senior Superintendent Eduardo A. Dopale, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial director, named the suspect as Mario Paa, a resident of Barangay Bulag East, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, who earlier was tagged as the prime suspect in the slay try on Eugene Paet, a commentator of DWRS radio station.

Dopale said the suspect was a neighbor of the victim. Their investigation showed that the two figured in a heated altercation last New Yearfs Eve regarding indiscriminate firing of a gun. The suspect accused the victim of firing a gun on New Year’s eve which the victim vehemently denied. He said they are now filing a case of frustrated murder against the suspect at the provincial prosecutor’s office.

The suspect will be arrested as soon as a warrant of arrest is issued by the court. Dopale also said the motive was not related to Paet’s work as a broadcaster but due to a personal grudge, citing the altercation between the two.

Nevertheless, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines – Ilocos Sur (NUJP-IS) Chapter chaired by Arlon Serdenia strongly condemned the shooting.
In a press release, Serdenia said, “The shooting of a broadcaster in the province is an attack to our constitutional right for the freedom of expression.

On the evening of January 7, 2010, broadcaster Eugene Paet of DWRS Commando Radio was shot while he was on his way home after his program “Operation Commando” by two assassins riding in a motorcycle.

They shot him twice but hit him once on his left side. Paet managed to stop his motorcycle and sought help. He was rushed to the hospital while the suspects fled.

The veteran broadcaster is now stable after a four (4) hour operation. Jun Ramos,the news director of Commando radio said that Paet is still in the intensive care unit for observation.
The statement said, “Whatever the motive was, this shooting of our brother in the media, NUJP Ilocos Sur Chapter condemns in the strongest terms the shooting of “Commando Uno” Eugene Paet.”

“We appeal to the authorities for the immediate resolution of the case as well the creation of a task force to investigate the shooting incidents.
We also call on our colleagues to stand firm and united in the face of these growing threats. Let us also demand an accounting from the government for its failure to protect and defend our rights not only as media but as a citizen. It is also very ironic that the scene of the crime was in the front of the police provincial headquarters.

Let us pray for the fast recovery of Commando Uno To our fellows, let us defend the freedom of expression at all times!” the statement concluded.# nordis.net