Radio reporter shot dead in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A local radio reporter was shot and killed by unidentified assailants Tuesday night in Pitogo town, Zamboanga del Sur, according to security official.

The victim was identified as Elvis Banggoy Ordaniza, 49, a volunteer reporter of Power 99 FM based in Pagadian City, said Chief Superintendent Miguel Antonio, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 9.

Antonio said investigation disclosed the victim was preparing dinner in his house in Bagong Silang, Barangay Poblacion when he was shot about 7:10 p.m. by unidentified suspects.

Ordaniza went out briefly from his kitchen to gather firewood when he was shot at close range by two suspects using caliber .45 pistols based on two empty shells recovered from the crime scene.

The victim sustained two gunshot wounds on his chest before the suspects escaped toward an unknown direction after the incident.

Antonio said the local police of Pitogo led by Inspector Orlyn Leyte responded to the incident and brought the victim to Pitogo Rural Health Center for treatment. Ordaniza was supposed to be transferred to Pagadian City for further treatment but was declared dead upon arrival by attending physician.

Antonio said the provincial police of Zamboanga del Sur has directed to conduct thorough investigations to determine the motive for the killing.