Presidential Task Force Launches Investigation Into Negros Radio Announcer's Fatal Shooting
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the killing of a community radio announcer in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. This incident, which occurred on March 20, 2026, represents the ninth case of media violence recorded under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the first such tragedy reported in the current year.
Task Force Arrives in Negros Occidental to Coordinate Probe
On March 23, 2026, a PTFOMS delegation led by lawyers Francis Rupert Mangrobang and Glenn Eric Peralta arrived in Negros Occidental to spearhead the inquiry. The team promptly coordinated with the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) and met with the family of the victim, Julito "Jaz" Diamante Calo, a 49-year-old anchor for the "Waswasanay sa Quinto Distrito" program on DNN News FM based in Himamaylan City.
Mangrobang expressed the task force's commitment to justice, stating, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Calo. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that media practitioners face while performing their duties. We are fully dedicated to ensuring that justice is served in this case."
Details of the Tragic Incident
Investigation findings reveal that Calo was standing in front of his residence beside the road at approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 20 when a white Sports Utility Vehicle traveling from the direction of La Carlota City stopped near him. An unidentified assailant inside the vehicle suddenly shot Calo in the head, resulting in his immediate death. The gunman then fled toward the town proper of La Castellana.
In addition to his media work, Calo was employed as a job order employee by the local government of Himamaylan City, highlighting his dual roles in community service and journalism.
PTFOMS Calls for Collective Action to Protect Press Freedom
Mangrobang emphasized that safeguarding press freedom is a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to unite in defense of journalists' fundamental rights. "We call upon media organizations, civil society, and the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could assist in resolving this case," he said. The task force also reiterated its readiness to address media harassment complaints and death threats, underscoring its broader mandate to protect media workers.
Peralta added that the PTFOMS team has already visited Calo's residence and workplace, pledging to fast-track the investigation and monitor progress to ensure cases are filed against the perpetrators. The PRO-NIR has activated a dedicated task group to support these efforts, aiming to solve the killing swiftly.
This investigation marks a critical step in addressing the ongoing threats to media safety in the Philippines, with PTFOMS at the forefront of efforts to uphold justice and press integrity.
