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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/29 November)–The 4th Infantry Division said they are willing to secure shooting survivor DXIF-Radyo Bombo commentator Michael James “Dacoycoy” Licuanan in their camp’s hospital while the latter is not yet enrolled in the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection and Social Benefits Program.
Licuanan was shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants on Thursday night on his way home from the radio station.
4ID spokesperson Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV made the offer to the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) and the city chapter of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) in their joint emergency meeting today.
The offer stemmed from a report of DXIF Bombo Radyo reporter Mark Martires to NUJP Mindanao Media Safety officer JB Deveza that one of the suspects went back to their station in Corrales St. Saturday night, inquiring on the whereabouts of Licuanan.
Police Senior Inspector Elmer Robas told reporters today, the station’s security guard was able to identify the person who asked about Licuanan since he was the same guard on duty when one of the two attackers went inside the station before the shooting.
In the meeting, COPC executive vice president Bingo Alcordo explained that Licuanan could not enroll in the DOJ’s Witness Protection and Social Benefits Program until a case has been filed in court.
“While we are waiting for a case to filed, Licuanan is still in danger,” said Alcordo.
Osias said Licuanan will be safer inside their base at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Barangay Patag, this city.
Robas, for his part, told reporters they are set to file a frustrated murder case against the suspects within the week. (Cong Corrales/MindaNews)
