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Manila: A top-ranking broadcast journalist was fatally shot in central Philippines on Thursday afternoon, but two suspects were immediately arrested at a check point that was established quickly after the incident, associates and policemen said.
Martin Roxas, 35, programme director of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in Capiz, central Philippines, was declared dead on arrival as he was brought to a hospital, said Ellie Abarra, station manager of RMN.
"Doctors said he had no more pulse, lost a lot of blood, and his vital organs were damaged because of the fatal gunshot wound on his back," said Abarra.
Roxas was also an anchorman who hosted a hard-hitting programme, said Abarra.
Two men riding a motorcycle were arrested at a check point that was established near the scene of the crime minutes after the shooting incident, said regional police chief Leo Badiles.
"The two men were arrested after they tried to run away when they reached the check point. One of them was wearing a ski bonnet," Badiles said, adding the two denied their involvement in the killing of Roxas.
Eyewitness identified the colour of the helmets of the gunmen, which assisted in the pursuit operation of the police, said Badiles.
Roxas's wife was brought to a hospital who fainted after she learned about the death of her husband. They have two daughters with ages three and ten months.
Fighting for life
Meanwhile, Dennis Cuesta, also a hard hitting anchorman of RMN, continued fighting for his life after he sustained three gunshot wounds at the right portion of his head in General Santos City, southern Philippines on Monday. He underwent operation and remained in a serious condition at the intensive care unit of St. Elizabeth Hospital. "But his chance to survive is slowly deteriorating. He might suffer partial paralysis should he survive," doctors said.
Two motorcycle gunmen were also arrested for Cuesta's shooting.
Violent incidents have recently targeted media men in Central Mindanao. Recent victims included Jun Abayon of RGMA and Elpidio Binoya, commentator of dzRH.
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