Ilocos regional police forms task group to investigate journalist’s death

November 11, 2020

The Ilocos Region Police Office has formed and activated the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Maganes for the speedy resolution on the killing of a Pangasinan-based journalist and columnist.

Brig. General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Ilocos regional director, said SITG Maganes has investigative leads and persons of interest identified through CCTV footage near the crime scene.

“ As of now, we already have investigative leads and persons of interest were identified through CCTV footage near the crime scene,” Azurin said in a statement.

“Hopefully, the witnesses to this senseless killing will volunteer information that will lead to the arrest of the killers,” he added.

Azurin said they ensure that the PNP will pursue the case no matter who gets caught and who gets hurt.

“Rest assured that those responsible for this murder should be urgently found and brought to justice,” he said.

Azurin also appealed to the public to help them for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

On November 10, Virgilio Maganes, was shot dead at Barangay San Blas, Villasis, Pangasinan around 6:45 am by two unidentified men onboard a motorcycle.

Maganes was shot six times.

In 2016, Maganes survived an attack by playing dead after motorcycle-riding gunmen shot him as he rode a tricycle.

He is the 18th journalist killed during the Duterte administration and the 190th since 1986. Ella Dionisio/DMS