Cotabato radio journalist shot dead

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A radio journalist was killed while his wife was injured in an attack by an unidentified assailant in Malidegao, Cotabato on Thursday night.

Nestor Micator, news reporter and disc jockey of D’Empire Radio Station based in Pikit town, died from a gunshot to the head. He was declared dead on arrival at the Cruzado Medical Hospital.

Micator’s wife, Ruvy, suffered bruises after their motorcycle fell to the ground.

Micator was a member of the Lupong Pambarangay of Fort Pikit, which helps settle conflicts among residents and solve peace and security problems in their jurisdiction.

Reports said the victim and his wife were on the motorcycle when the assailant waylaid them in front of the barangay hall at around 7 p.m.

The gunman escaped on a waiting motorcycle driven by a companion, witnesses said.

Probers have yet to determine if the killing was job-related.

Local journalists and officials of the radio station condemned the incident and urged police to identify the killers.