By Civ Alonzo-Cruz
A Pampanga-based journalist was shot dead by an unidentified assailant on Wednesday (Dec. 8) inside their family store in Calbayog City, Samar.
Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, a correspondent and stringer for several news outlets was killed by unidentified gunmen in their family store in Purok 12, Brgy. San Joaquin in Tinambacan District around 6:30 p.m.
According to initial reports, the wife of the victim, Mila Malabanan, heard a gunshot at close range as she was watching television in their store.
Malabanan was brought to St. Camillus Hospital in Calbayog City for medical treatment but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The Pampanga Press Club (PPC) strongly condemned the killing of one of its members.
“The Pampanga Press Club condemns in the strongest terms the killing of one of its members Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, correspondent of Manila Standard,” the PPC said in an official statement.
“Jess to many among us, a long-time reporter and stringer for many media outfits for many years, had proven himself to be a man dedicated to his duties as a journalist,” it added.
The Pampanga-based press group has called on the PNP and other law enforcement groups to conduct an immediate investigation on the killing of Malabanan to identify and arrest the perpetrators. – bny
