Self-confessed gunman tags governor, mayor in reporter's slay

DAVAO CITY , Philippines – A self-confessed gunman implicated Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas and Matanao town Mayor Butch Fernandez in the death of a newspaperman in Digos City last June.

The suspect, identified as one Voltaire Mirafuentes, alleged that he was duped by Cagas and Fernandez into killing Nestor Bedolido by informing him that the victim had something to do with the death of his (Mirafuentes’) parents last year.

Bedolido, 50, who used to work as reporter of The Kastigador weekly newspaper based in Davao del Sur, was shot six times outside a karaoke bar on the night of June 19.

The journalist’s son, Marxlen, 22, told reporters that he believed his father’s murder was politically motivated. Bedolido “was suspected of writing exposés against a politician in Davao del Sur” during the May general elections.

In his affidavit, Mirafuentes said that he was summoned by Cagas in the morning of June 19. Upon arrival at the governor’s residence along Estrada Street in Digos City, Mirafuentes said he saw Fernandez along with the governor.

The two politicians then allegedly informed him that Bedolido was the one who caused the death of Mirafuentes’ parents who were allegedly shot and killed by Apolinario “Jun” Gamayot Jr. and Elizardo “Doydoy” Bacon.

Gamayot and Bacon were known to be bodyguards of Fernandez but the mayor said he discovered that the two were deep penetration agents of Cagas’ staunch political foe – the Bautistas of Malita.

With this, the two politicians allegedly told Mirafuentes to get justice for his slain parents by killing Bedolido. Cagas allegedly assured Mirafuentes that he would support him in getting his brand of justice and that the governor would take care of the police that might go after him.

Mirafuentes said he was allegedly supplied by Cagas and Fernandez with a caliber .45 pistol and another pistol for his younger brother Henry Jr., who would serve as his lookout and getaway motor­cycle driver.

On the night of June 19, Mirafuentes said he shot and killed Bedolido at the Torecs videoke bar along Quezon Avenue, Digos City. He was said to have been assisted by his brother Henry and two other henchmen identified only as Bado and Ali.

“That the next day, I was just surprised to learn from some concerned individuals and relatives that allegedly, papers and feelers showing the cartographic sketch of the supposed face of the suspect of the shooting were distributed and circulated in some areas in Digos City,” he said.

“According to them, the cartographic sketch resembles my face. Worst, they said that the suspect was described on the feelers as one named ‘Ritchie Mirafuentes’ and nicknamed ‘Boyet,’” he added.

“About the third day since the incident, the said cartographic sketch was shown on television. Immediately thereafter, I went into hiding,” Mirafuentes said in his affidavit.