BRIEF: Arrest Made in Lintuan’s Murder

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine authorities arrested Olivier Baldonado Antoc, an army reservist and local politician’s bodyguard, as a suspect in the murder of radio journalist Ferdinand Lintuan. Antoc was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and drugs. After the arrest, police realized he resembled the sketch of Lintuan’s murderer and his firearm was the same caliber used to kill the journalist. Antoc denies any involvement in the murder, and police acknowledge that more evidence is needed.

In related news, several persons and news media have linked Jovito Palparan, a former general who is now an adviser to local politician Prospero Nograles, a possible instigator of the murder. The Philippines Press Club has requested that an outside investigator be used in order to prevent any influence by Palparan and Nograles.

For more information, please see:

Reporters without Borders – Philippines: Politician’s Bodyguard Held as Suspect in Journalist’s Murder – 31 December 2007

Author: Impunity Watch Archive