Radio broadcaster shot dead in Misamis Occidental

MANILA (UPDATED) – A radio broadcaster was shot dead in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental on Thursday morning.

Initial reports said Cosme Maestrado, also known as Mr. Ratsada, was shot and killed by unknown assailants outside a shopping center along Washington Street at 10 a.m.

He was talking to the owner of the shopping center when he was killed.

The suspects also pointed their guns at Maestrado's bodyguard and cameraman.

Cosme sustained gunshot wounds in his head, cheek and abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital but died after about 30 minutes.

The three suspects fled on board a motorcycle.

According to the victim's brother, Vicente, before Maestrado was killed, he criticized in his radio program a local politician over the purchase of construction equipment.

Malacañang, meanwhile, condemned the killing of Maestrado.

"We strongly condemn the killing of Mr. Cosme Maestrado this morning. He is a media practitioner of DXOC from Ozamiz City. The local PNP has also been directed to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing of Mr. Maestrado," Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in a text message. -- Reports from PJ Gisan, ABS-CBN News Northern Mindanao; Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News