Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a former employee of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 10, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants on 10 October.

Antatico, 40, was known for exposing alleged corruption in government offices, particularly within the NIA. The law student and whistleblower had previously revealed details of an alleged P75-million “chop-chop” irrigation project in Marawi City that remained unfinished years after its supposed completion.

“I strongly condemn the killing of Kyle, whose only so-called ‘crime’ was to speak the truth and expose alleged corruption involving funds meant for our farmers,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

He urged authorities to act swiftly in identifying and arresting the perpetrators, warning that continued inaction erodes public faith in government.

“Each day that passes without justice makes the killers bolder and weakens people’s trust in the government,” he said.

Pangilinan added that the brazenness of such crimes only fuels public anger.

“The Filipino people are already being robbed — and now they’re being killed, too? Whoever is behind Kyle’s murder only provokes even more outrage,” he said.

The senator vowed to continue exposing and stopping corruption within NIA and other agencies that handle funds for farmers and fisherfolk.

Police investigators said Antatico was driving near Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, when two men on a motorcycle shot him multiple times. He was rushed to J.R. Borja Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

According to Police Major Peter Tajor, precinct commander of Police Station 4, officers are now reviewing CCTV footage in nearby areas and conducting a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects.

“We are reviewing CCTV in the area, and a hot pursuit operation is ongoing,” Tajor confirmed.

Antatico had resigned from NIA last year after reportedly receiving death threats linked to his exposé. Authorities are now investigating whether his killing is connected to his whistleblowing activities.

NIA mourns Antatico’s death

NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Niruh Kyle D. Antatico, a former NIA Region X employee who was recently killed in Cagayan de Oro.

In an official statement posted on Facebook, Guillen extended his condolences to Antatico’s family and friends, assuring them that the agency is fully supporting a fair and thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident.

Guillen reaffirmed NIA’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and good governance, noting that the agency continues to address the concerns previously raised by Antatico as part of its ongoing reforms.

He also appealed to the public to respect due process and refrain from spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation.

Guillen ended his statement with a message of compassion, praying for strength and peace for Antatico’s loved ones and expressing hope that truth and justice will prevail in the wake of the tragedy.