Bikol Police Creates Task Force Olea

Naga City (June 13 2011) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office has promptly created a task force that shall investigate the killing of Romeo Olea, the radio reporter-announcer who was shot dead this morning in Nabua town.

PNP Regional Director Cecilio Calleja Jr. has ordered Senior Superintendent Victor Deona to head Task Force Olea, which shall focus on the investigation of the mediaman ‘s killing.

Olea was the second media man killed after the May 2010 elections.

Mike Belen was the first victim of violence against the media in this province.

Both Olea and Belen were shot dead by unknown assailants while working with WEB-FM, the local radio station based in Nabua town owned by 5th district congressman Salvio Fortuno.

Director Calleja said Task Force Olea shall be composed of PNP Camarines Sur PPO, the Regional Intelligence Office and the Municipal Police Office of Nabua and the City Police Office of Iriga City. It shall focus on solving the crime to get the justice for the victim and his families.

Meanwhile, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KPB) Provincial Chairman Emmanuel Llagas has condemned the killing of Romeo Olea saying that the said violence is a clear assault on press freedom.

Llagas reminded the members of the local media to follow the code of ethics of the KBP and be guided by the rules of broadcast while doing their jobs.

“Our colleagues in media should first think of their safety before going on air and they should stick to factual commentary rather than personal attacks in order for us to be spared from this kind of violence,” Llagas said.