Radio man ambushed near PNP headquarters

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP GEN FLORENDO, La Union- A popular radio anchorman was in critical condition after he was ambushed by unknown gunmen Thursday night right near the entrance gate of Camp . Quirino here, headquarters of the provincial police office in Ilocos Sur.

Senior Supt. Eduardo Dopale, acting police director, identified the victim as Eugene Paet, a commentator of the DWRS radio owned by deputy national security adviser and gubernatorial candidate Chavit Singson.

Dopale said that the victim had just finished his radio program around 7:30 in the evening Thursday when he was suddenly shot by two gunmen riding in tandem aboard a motorcycle who apparently waited for the victim near the PNP headquarters.

Paet is still in critical condition due to a gunshot wound from a Cal. 45 bullet that hit his abdomen and pierced his body.

Newsmen said they were puzzled if the gunmen were indeed hired killers since they waited for their target to hit him right in front of the heavily-guarded provincial police headquarters.

Dopale said that he himself was even puzzled since the incident was carried right near the PNP Headquarters.

Paet was on the home to Barangay Bulag Centro, Bantay, town when he was shot.

Singson immediately instructed his staff to bring the radio man to a hospital for treatment.

“Our police personnel are now investigating the incident. I have instructed the establishment of checkpoints and the conduct of dragnet operations in the area for the possible apprehension of the suspects,” Dopale added.

Chief Supt. Constante D. Azares, Jr., Region1 police director, directed Dopale to immediately solve the series of killings in the province the past several days.

Dopale is one of the three nominees who were recommended to become PNP director of Ilocos Sur following the retirement of Senior Supt. Virgilio Fabros last month.