Journalists swarm Bayot Drive to denounce Roxas' killing
ROXAS CITY – Journalists from print and broadcast media swarmed the street of Bayot Drive on the afternoon of August 8, to denounce the treacherous killing of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) DYVR Anchorman "Kasamang" Martin Roxas.
The activity started with a caravan from DYVR station to Bayot Drive. Aside from the members of the media, the caravan-candle lighting was participated by tricycle drivers, professionals, and by those who believe and support Roxas' cause for press freedom.
The activity culminated in a candle lighting and saying of a prayer at the place outside a lotto betting station where Roxas fell from his motorcycle when he was shot by two motorcycle-riding men.
Reports show that Roxas was pursued by the gunmen from outside RMN radio station to Bayot Drive at around 1:00 in the afternoon of Thursday, August 7, 2008.The suspects, after making the fatal single shot from a gun of unidentified caliber, fled towards an opposite direction. Roxas is a hard-hitting commentator of RMN-DYVR.
Mr. Eliezer Abarra, RMN-DYVR station manager, said that Martin informed him that on July 31, a week prior to the killing, while he (Martin) was riding in his motorcycle along Hemingway Street, Barangay Tiza, he was kicked by about three unidentified men. Concerned over his safety, Abarra advised Martin to take another route when going home, and that is Bayot Drive.
Abarra is alarmed that their security efforts proved ineffective against evil intentions.
Martin is an active member and an auditor of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) - Capiz.