Tabloid reporter shot dead in Bataan

PUBLIC

By Mhike R. Cigaral*

BALANGA CITY — A 48-year-old lady reporter of a national tabloid was gunned down at around 8:05a.m. along the main road of Sitio San Rafael, Barangay Tuyo of this component city.

In an initial report, Police Inspector Jennifer Cruz, Bataan PNP information officer identified victim as Nerlita Ledesma, alias Nerlie, 48, married and resident of the said village.

Investigators said the unidentified suspect was seen wearing sun glasses, bonnet, jacket and on board a black and white colored single motorcycle.

The suspect fled to unknown direction after the incident.

Ledesma sustained several gunshot wound on her chest, thigh, arms and hand from a caliber 45 pistol used by the gunman.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reported that if the killing is proven to be work-related, Ledesma would be the 172nd journalist murdered in the country in 1986 for pursuing the profession.
More than two years ago, the Ledesmas’ home in the said village was strafed by unidentified gunmen twice in different dates but no one has been arrested over the incident.

Neighbors said the incidents probably relate to several land disputes in which the victim was reportedly involved. Ledesma is the president of an homeowners’ association in their village.

As a daily routine, Jun Ledesma, Nerlie’s husband and a tricycle driver, normally drove her to her day job at the Bataan Provincial Capitol but on this date his vehicle reportedly broke down forcing Ledesma to walk to the corner of their street to catch a jeepney or a tricycle.

*Mhike Cigaral is the vice chairperson of the NUJP Bataan chapter. He is also a reporter for the radio station DZXL and the regional cable TV station CLTV 36.