MANILA, Philippines — A reporter for a tabloid in Masbate was killed in an alleged shootout with Army soldiers in Barangay Matanglad, Milagros, Masbate on Monday.
Ronnie Villamor, 50, was a correspondent for Dos Kantos, Maj. Aldrin Rosales, Milagros police chief, said.
“We did not get any identification or document in his pockets or belongings that could have informed us that Villamor was a member of the local media. His face is not familiar,” Rosales told The STAR.
Quoting Army soldiers, Rosales said villagers reported the presence of armed men in the area where the reported shootout occurred.
The armed men, said to include Villamor, scampered when they sensed the arrival of soldiers.
Villamor allegedly opened fire while escaping on a motorcycle.
Board member Jamon Espares said the Masbate provincial board would look into the incident in aid of legislation.