Suspect in Mindoro radioman’s slay surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged gunman in the killing of radio broadcaster Cresenciano Bundoquin in Oriental Mindoro has surrendered, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced yesterday.

Isabelo Bautista Jr. surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and “voluntarily submitted himself for investigation after succumbing to the pressure,” according to DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano.

Bautista was arrested on July 7 after Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Regional Trial Court Branch 39 Judge Josephine Carrano issued warrants for his arrest on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Bautista claimed he was not the gunman who shot Bundoquin but vowed to cooperate with the NBI to find out the truth about the incident.

Bundoquin, a radio commentator at Kalahi News FM and MUX online radio, was shot dead on May 31 as he was about to open his store in Barangay Sta. Isabel in Calapan City.

Before the gunmen escaped the crime scene, Bundoquin’s son rammed his vehicle into their motorcycle, killing the driver.

Two witnesses had identified Bautista as the gunman.

Bautista confirmed that he and Narciso Guntan, who died when their motorcycle crashed as they escaped, are employees of a certain Felix Solis, said to be the biggest carnival financier and operator in Mindoro.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier ordered the NBI to conduct a parallel investigation into the incident.