‘Gun-for-hire killed Pangasinan journalist’

By Liezle Basa Inigo

VILLASIS, Pangasinan — The suspect in the killing of Pangasinan mediaman Vir Maganes here was a notorious gun-for-hire, according to Police Regional Office 1 director Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
    “We are very thankful for all the information that was provided by the community including the different members of the media in the area. Through them, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was able to identify the suspect who is a member of a notorious gun-for-hire gang operating in Pangasinan and adjacent provinces.” Azurin told local media.
    Azurin said the PNP will continue with its investigation to determine the mastermind behind the killing of Maganes.
    “We continue to ask the cooperation of the community to continuously provide us information.” Azurin said.
    In a press briefing on Monday in Manila, PNP Chief General Debold Sinas announced the arrest of a certain Noe Ducay whom he identified as the gunman in Maganes’ killing.
    On Dec. 9, the Urdaneta Crime Laboratory released the computerized facial sketch of the alleged gunman based on testimonies of witnesses. 
    The Pangasinan PPO Crime Investigation and Detection Group implemented a search warrant at the residence of Ducay that led to his arrest. 
    Maganes, a freelance journalist, was killed in the morning of Nov.10 after he left his home in Barangay San Blas in Villasis. He survived a similar attack in 2016.
    Police said the motorcycle-riding gunman shot him in the head and other parts of the body.
    Malacañang has lauded the PNP in Region 1 for the arrest of the perpetrators.
 “The arrests of Noe P. Ducay and Romar Bustillos once again prove the unwavering efforts of this administration in bringing justice to perpetrators of media violence. I congratulate the PNP for its prompt action on the Maganes case,” Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said.