Two unidentified men on a motorcycle shot Samuel Oliverio while he was riding on a motorcycle with his wife. Oliverio died from bullet wounds to his head and neck, reports said. His wife, Rowena, told journalists they were returning from a public market and were attacked a short distance from their home.
Oliverio had worked as a commentator for Radio Ukay and Supreme Radio in Digos City, until February 2014, when he took a leave of absence after suffering a stroke, reports said.
Supt. Querubin Manalang, police chief of Digos City, told journalists he believed the murder was work-related. Oliverio’s programs often criticized corrupt politicians, according to news reports. Daniel Gloria Jr., Oliverio’s co-anchor at Radyo Ukay, told journalists that the broadcaster was mild in his commentaries, but said he tackled sensitive topics ranging from politics to illegal gambling and drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is prevalent in Digos City, where authorities cracked down on illegal drugs in prior months and made several arrests, according to reports.
The Philippines-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said Oliverio was a radio blocktimer. The journalist’s brother, Ruben Oliverio, told journalists that Samuel had no known enemies and that he was not aware of any threats.
Shortly after Oliverio’s death, police identified two suspects in the case, but had not yet made any arrests, reports said.