Three issues raised in slain broadcaster’s commentaries

By Manuel T. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY --- Three major issues that Albay broadcaster Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte had reportedly discussed in his radio program in the days before he was killed are being cited as possible leads in the investigation, although authorities have yet to establish the motive for the attack.

Loterte, 41, a long-time blocktimer-broadcaster known for his hard-hitting commentaries on his Rabas Cun Rabas program, was shot at around 4:10 p.m. on October 12 while attending to his bakery in Barangay San Roque, Daraga, Albay.

He was rushed to Daraga Doctors Hospital but was pronounced dead at 5:35 p.m., according to police.

Police said the investigation was continuing, with a special investigation task group formed under Albay police provincial director Col. Noel Nunez to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Closed-circuit television footage reportedly showed two men riding a motorcycle leaving the area after the shooting. Investigators are examining available footage and other evidence to establish the suspects’ identities and movements.

Jose Torres, head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, condemned the killing and said his office would continue pushing for the resolution of the case.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, and former Albay representative Joey Salceda, who was recently appointed secretary of the Presidential Legislative Office, also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation. Salceda reportedly offered a reward for information that could help identify the perpetrators.

Among the issues Loterte had reportedly discussed in his program were alleged illegal numbers games, online cockfighting operations, and controversies surrounding quarrying activities in Albay.

His commentaries on jueteng and small-town lottery (STL) operations reportedly included allegations involving a former jueteng whistle-blower, a provincial official, and a congressman-contractor over alleged payoffs connected to gambling operations. These allegations have not been established as facts in the investigation into Loterte’s killing.

Loterte had also criticized the alleged operation of online cockfighting activities at the Legazpi Cockpit Gallery, reportedly known as Rueda 5. His commentaries questioned the legality of the operations, citing an alleged reminder issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan concerning the absence of a franchise.

The third issue involved controversies surrounding quarrying activities in the province, which Loterte had reportedly discussed in his broadcasts.

A source also claimed that Loterte attended a Sunday cockfighting derby at the Legazpi Cockpit Gallery about a week before his death. The source alleged that the broadcaster took photographs of individuals believed to be public works engineers and contractors from Cebu and Laguna.

The circumstances surrounding that reported gathering, including the identities and activities of those present, have yet to be independently established.

Loterte had worked as a block-time broadcaster for nearly two decades and hosted his Rabas Cun Rabas program on local radio outlets, including Home Radio and Rainbow Broadcast Network in Legazpi City.

Police have yet to confirm whether any of the issues raised in Loterte’s commentaries were connected to his killing. Investigators have said that all possible motives remain under consideration.