Pagadian-based broadcaster killed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A local radio broadcaster was ambushed and killed yesterday afternoon by unidentified suspects along the highway in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, according to the police.

The Labangan Police Station identified the victim as Carlos Matas, 61, a retired soldier and a volunteer broadcaster of dxCA FM radio based in Pagadian City.

Police investigation showed that the victim was riding his motorcycle on his way home to Pagadian City when he was ambushed at about 3:30 p.m. by still unidentified gunmen along the highway in the vicinity of Barangay Nuburan, Labangan town.

The police said the victim died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Reports from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 disclosed that prior to the incident, Matas and two companions were on board a jeep when they were also ambushed but were not hurt last Tuesday in the same area.

Police authorities were investigating the motive of the ambush to determine if it was related to his work as a radio broadcaster.

Investigators are also looking at the possibility that the killing could be related to the coming barangay election since the victim was reportedly tapped for special campaign operations in the area.