Albay bishop condemns broadcaster Llana’s slay

By Rhaydz B. Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi expressed sadness as he condemned the killing of radio broadcaster Joey Llana. Llana, 43, of Barangay Penafrancia in Daraga, Albay was mowed down by assassins’ bullets Friday, July 20, at around 4:45 o’clock in the morning in front on their home while maneuvering his car out of the garage to report for work in nearby Legazpi City. “I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Joey Llana, even as we condemn his murder,” the prelate said in his statement on Saturday. Baylon is praying that the killing will be solved in the soonest time and the perpetrators brought to justice. “Together with all peace-loving Albayanos, I pray that this crime will be solved soonest, the perpetrators be brought to justice, the bishop said. Friends remember Llana to have been sent by Fr. Oscar “Boy” Sumanga, station manager of DWBS-Radio Veritas Legazpi, to study at AMEC-BCCM in the late 90’s while he worked as student reporter in his plain white school uniform. Llana soon became a hard-hitting blocktime radio commentator attacking local politicians, government contractors, including illegal drugs and other irregularities happening in the province and city. Prior the killing, Llana has been receiving death threats from unknown persons but had not taken them seriously, according to his younger brother Jose “Jun” Llana, 34. A week ago, two unidentified persons tried to locate the whereabouts of would-be victim Llana. Edwin Peralta, newscaster and commentator of radio station DZGB, said that Joey hadn’t been known to take illegal drugs. Llana’s brother said that the reported illegal drugs could be planted to mislead the investigators over the killing of his elder brother. Maria Luisa “Malu” Calubaquib, PNP Bicol regional spokesperson, said the 7 sachets of powdery white substance uncovered in Llana’s alleged sling bag were not the illegal ”shabu” but only “tawas,” a white substance turned into powder for personal hygiene use. Before his death, Llana was anchoring a radio program from 5:30 to 7:00 o’ clock in the morning “Metro Banat” at DWZR Hypersonic Broadcasting Network in Legazpi City with famous tagline “Abante ang Krus.”