Albay broadcaster dies in gun attack
LEGAZPI CITY—Unidentified gunmen shot dead local broadcast journalist Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte at his bakery in Daraga, Albay, on Monday afternoon, prompting police to launch a manhunt.
Loterte, an anchor of RBN News Television’s Rabas Cun Rabas and a resident of Barangay San Roque, was attending to his bakery at a rented shop in Purok 4 when one of two suspects allegedly opened fire at 4:10 p.m., according to Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.
Checkpoints
Calubaquib said Loterte was taken to Daraga Doctors Hospital for treatment of bullet wounds but eventually died at 5:35 p.m. The suspects, who were reportedly riding a black-and-white Honda Click motorcycle, fled toward Barangay Kimantong.
The Police Regional Office 5 has activated a Special Investigation Task Group to coordinate the probe and track down the suspects. Police are reviewing closed-circuit television footage, gathering witness statements and conducting follow-up operations. Checkpoints have also been set up in nearby areas.
Calubaquib said the motive for the shooting had yet to be established.
In a statement on Monday, the Albay Press Club condemned the attack and called on authorities to conduct a swift, thorough and impartial investigation, identify and arrest those responsible, and ensure they face appropriate legal proceedings.
