Salceda urged to help push probe into broadcaster’s killing

By Manuel T. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY --- Residents in Albay have urged Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Sarte Salceda to help press for a thorough investigation into the killing of broadcaster Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte, while calling for stronger efforts to address illegal activities in the province.

Loterte, 47, was shot multiple times by two motorcycle-riding assailants while attending to his bakery at his residence in Barangay San Roque, Daraga, on Oct. 12. He was taken to Daraga Doctors Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He left behind his wife and five children, all aged 13 and below.

Following the incident, Salceda, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, and Albay Gov. Noel Rosal condemned the killing. Salceda also offered a P500,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators and the identification of the mastermind, while urging the National Bureau of Investigation and the police to pursue the case.

Salceda expressed hope that Loterte’s killing would not become another unresolved case of violence against media workers in the Bicol region. He cited the killings of broadcasters Joey Yllana, who was shot in July 2018, and Noel Bellen Samar, who was killed in Guinobatan on Oct. 20, 2025.

For more than two decades, Loterte hosted the hard-hitting radio program “Rabas Kun Rabas,” where he discussed various public issues. Reports indicated that his commentaries had included concerns involving illegal gambling and quarry operations, among other local issues.

Some social media users have raised questions about whether issues discussed in Loterte’s broadcasts could be relevant to the investigation. However, no established evidence has been presented in the information provided to confirm a motive for the killing or establish a connection between the broadcaster’s commentaries and the crime.

Residents have called on government officials to strengthen efforts against illegal activities and ensure that the investigation into Loterte’s death proceeds without interference. They also urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible through the appropriate legal process.

Rosal reportedly announced on Oct. 20 that the provincial board had approved an additional P300,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Loterte’s killers.

Salceda emphasized the importance of protecting press freedom, saying that while individuals and institutions may challenge negative reports through legal means, journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence.

He stressed that a free press plays an important role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable.

Meanwhile, the Albay provincial police office’s Task Force Loterte has reported developing a lead in the investigation. Authorities said the suspects, who allegedly fled on a motorcycle after the shooting, passed through Barangay Kimantong and several other barangays in Camalig.

Police have yet to publicly establish the identities of the perpetrators and the motive behind the killing.