2 convictions in radio journo’s slay hailed

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — The widow of slain Kidapawan radio journalist Eduardo “Ed” Dizon and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMs) both welcomed the decision of a Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Tuesday convicting two men for Dizon’s murder.

“Justice is served. I thank all friends of Ed Dizon, thank you for your prayers and to dxND people,” Madonna Dizon, widow of the murdered journalist, said in a statement.

Dizon used to work with the Church-run dxND Radio Bida in Kidapawan City.

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The Quezon City RTC Branch 228 found the accused mastermind Dante Encarnacion Tabusares and gunman Junell Jane Andagkit Poten guilty of murder.

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READ: Police arrest suspect in 2019 slay of broadcaster Eduardo Dizon

Both were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of up to 40 years, after which the convict becomes eligible for pardon.

Poten has been detained at New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory since September last year.

Tabusares, alias “Bong Encarnacion,” voluntarily surrendered to authorities in 2024 but was released after posting a P500,000 bail bond in March of the same year.

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The third accused, Sotero “Jun” Jacolbe Jr., a friend of Dizon, was acquitted by the Davao City RTC Branch 16 on March 8, 2024. Presiding Judge Emmanuel Carpio ruled that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Jacolbe, who repeatedly denied involvement, is now back in Kidapawan and has continued his broadcasting career.

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Dizon was a broadcaster for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan City when he was shot dead on July 10, 2019, while driving home after his radio program.

‘Crucial milestone’

He was openly criticizing corruption and a pyramiding scam in his radio program, for which police believed he earned the ire of the suspects.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines denounced Dizon’s killing, saying he was the 14th journalist slain during the Duterte administration.

In a statement on Tuesday, PTFoMs welcomed the convictions, saying they were a “crucial milestone in the pursuit of justice for (Dizon’s) family and the ongoing battle against impunity.”

“While no court decision can restore the life that was lost, holding perpetrators accountable is essential in honoring Ed’s memory and safeguarding those who continue his work,” said Undersecretary Joe Torres Jr., executive director of PTFoMS.

PTFoMs lauded the contributions of the prosecutors, investigators, and partner agencies involved in the case, including the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

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“We also commend the courage of the witnesses who bravely came forward, recognizing that their continued protection is vital to the pursuit of justice,” Torres said. “No journalist should lose their life in service to the public, and every attack on the press demands a robust and comprehensive response.” /cb