Suspect in murder of Aklan broadcaster dies
A detained suspect in the killing of Aklan broadcaster Rolando Ureta died at a hospital on Friday due to complications from a throat ailment.
Jessie Ticar who had been detained at the Aklan District Jail died at dawn at the Aklan Provincial Hospital on Friday, said Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Aklan police director.
Ticar was confined a week earlier at the hospital due to tonsillitis.
Ticar was tagged by a witness as one of two motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot dead Ureta on January 3, 2001, along the national highway in Barangay Bagtu, Lezo town, Aklan, around seven kilometers west of Kalibo, while the broadcaster was on his way to his parents' house.
The victim was program director of radio station dyKR of Radio Mindanao Network and hosted the nightly program "Agong Nightwatch." He was investigating the proliferation of illegal gambling and drugs in the province when he was killed.
Ticar surrendered on Dec. 18 last year while other suspect, Amador Raz, was arrested in November. The two suspects have repeatedly denied involvement in the killing.
The Supreme Court last March 18 ordered the transfer of the murder cases of Ureta and another Aklan broadcaster, Herson Hinolan, to Cebu City.
The High Court ordered the transfer of the cases upon request of the victims' families and media organizations for security reasons.