Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of Brigada News FM broadcaster Eduardo “Ed” Dizon, seven years after he was shot dead in Kidapawan City.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 228 found Junell Jane Andagkit Poten, identified as the gunman, and Dante Encarnacion Tabusares, identified as the mastermind, guilty of murder on Tuesday, October 6.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) welcomed the ruling, calling it a significant step toward justice for Dizon and his family.
Dizon was killed on July 10, 2019, while driving home after his radio program. His reporting often criticized local corruption.
In a statement, PTFOMS said the conviction was an important development in efforts to hold those responsible for attacks on journalists accountable.
“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,” the task force said.
PTFOMS credited the prosecutors, investigators and partner agencies, including the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation, for their work on the case.
It also recognized the witnesses who came forward, stressing the need to ensure their protection.
The task force said it would continue monitoring the case and coordinating with authorities. It also vowed to pursue other unresolved cases involving attacks on journalists and media workers.
The conviction, it added, underscores the need for thorough investigations and effective prosecution to ensure that attacks on members of the press do not go unpunished.
PTFOMS said it would continue working to prevent violence against journalists and respond to threats against media workers.
“No journalist should lose their life in service to the public,” the agency said.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.