Governor charged for publisher’s slay

MANILA, Philippines -  Murder charges were filed yesterday against Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua in connection with the killing of journalist Larry Que.

Que’s partner Edralyn Pangilinan filed the complaint against Cua and two other suspects, identified as Police Officer 1 Vincent Masagca Tacorda and Prince Lim Subion, before the Department of Justice.

Que, publisher of Catanduanes News Now, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay San Isidro, Virac on Dec. 19, 2016.

The victim had accused the provincial government of negligence, which he said resulted in the existence of a large shabu laboratory in the province.

In February, Pangilinan filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Cua, Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes and Barangay Palta Small chairman Hilario Sarmiento.

Pangilinan accused the respondents of graft and grave misconduct for their failure to curb illegal drug operations.

She said that before Que was killed, he investigated and exposed the issue in his paper.