Villar, NP condemn killing of broadcaster Edwin Segui in Ozamis City

The Nacionalista Party (NP) and its standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar condemned the killing of another broadcast journalist in Ozamis City last April 13.

Edwin Segui of DXSY Ozamis City was riddled with assassin's bullets. The motive for the crime and its perpetrators remain unknown.

NP said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of Edwin Segui. While the world still mourns the infamy brought about by the massacre of 31 journalists in Maguindanao last year, our country faces this scandalous and cowardly act anew.

"With this latest ignominy, the Philippines is fast becoming the burial ground for well-meaning journalists, surpassing the notoriety experienced in countries at war where lives of journalists are imperiled.

Moreover, NP standard-bearer Manny Villar said, "The killing of Edwin Segui is not only an affront to the freedom of the press and free expression enshrined in our Constitution, but it also mirrors the government's neglect and failure to address extra-judicial killings in the country."

Villar called on law enforcers to bring the perpetrators of the crime to the bar of justice.

NP said it will do everything within its powers to address "this barbaric act" and push legislative measures "to ensure the protection of the working press in the country."

"NP joins the family of Segui and the country in this moment of deep sorrow and bereavement," the party said.