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MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/22 April) — A broadcaster was shot dead about 11:45 am today (April 22) in Barangay Salipyasin, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said.
The victim, identified as Mario Vendiola, was shot at least four times by two assailants aboard a motorcycle. Police investigators recovered spent shells of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene, according to JB Deveza, coordinator of the NUJP-Mindanao Safety Office.
Deveza said Vendiola, anchorman and reporter of dxLM-FM Radyo Natin-Kabasalan, was hit in the head and died on the spot.
“Investigators are still at a loss regarding the possible motives for the murder,” he added.
Police Regional Office-9 spokesperson Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca said the victim was on the way home aboard his motorcycle when shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants in front of a gas station in Salipyasin.
Vendiola, known to his listeners as Kuya Mar, hosted an entertainment and information program at dxLM.
He was also a news correspondent of dxNC-Radyo Suhman based in Siay town, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Huesca said Vendiola, although not a hard-hitting broadcaster had earlier reported to the police in Kabasalan that he had received death threats. (With reports from MindaNews in Zambonga City)