Jacolbe’s surrender followed the issuance by the Regional Trial Court in Kidapawan City of a warrant of arrest against him and two other suspects, Junell Poten alias Junell Gerozaga and Dante Tabusares alias Bong Encarnacion. #EduardoDizonslay

Sotero Jalcolbe, one of three suspects in the 10 July 2019 killing of Brigada News FM Kidapawan commentator Eduardo Dizon, yielded to police in Kidapawan City on Monday morning, 7 October 2019. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Bida Kidapawan)

Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday welcomed the surrender of a suspect in the killing of Brigada News FM radio broadcaster Eduardo Dizon.

“Though the authorities have yet to determine suspect Sotero Jacolbe’s involvement in the case, we are hopeful that his surrender to the Kidapawan police will aid in the progress of solving Dizon’s murder,” said Andanar who is co-chair of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

“The PCOO commiserates with Dizon’s family and hopes that justice will be served for the death of their loved one,” added Andanar.

The PCOO chief said the Duterte administration will continue to make strides in protecting press freedom in the country and the rights of the members of the press.

Jacolbe’s surrender followed the issuance by the Regional Trial Court in Kidapawan City of a warrant of arrest against him and two other suspects, Junell Poten alias Junell Gerozaga and Dante Tabusares alias Bong Encarnacion.

Poten remains at large while Tabusares, the alleged mastermind of the killing, sought the suspension of the implementation of the warrant against him in a motion filed before the trial court, according to the PTFoMS.

Upon his surrender on Monday, Jacolbe said he is ready to prove his innocence in court.

Murder charges were filed against Jacolbe and Potem by the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office last 30 September.

Last July 10, Dizon was killed after gunmen on board a motorcycle shot and killed him while driving home after his radio program. He was the former manager of the radio station.

In the last election, Dizon ran for councilor in the municipality of Makilala, North Cotabato but lost.