Surigao del sur: The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) announced Tuesday the creation of a task force to thoroughly investigate the killing of a radioman in Bislig City. 'We want to inform the people of Surigao del Sur and the whole nation that the Special Investigation Task Group Segovia is now activated and conducting an investigation on the case,' said Col. Jeffrey Lawrence Mauricio, newly installed officer-in-charge director of SDSPPO, in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, broadcaster Edwin Labitad Segovia, 63, of WOW FM in Bislig City, was fatally shot by unidentified suspects on Monday morning in Barangay Mangagoy, Bislig City. Authorities continue a full-scale pursuit operation for the perpetrators. Mauricio, who assumed his post on Monday during a turnover ceremony, bared that the SDSPPO is coordinating with various law enforcement agencies nationwide in its investigation.

At least PHP2 million in reward money has been raised to identify and arrest the culprits. On Monday, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Alexander Pimentel stated that he and Governor Johnny Pimentel had raised a PHP1 million reward for information leading to the identification of the perpetrators. Additionally, former Cantilan town Mayor Carla Lopez-Pichay also announced a PHP1 million bounty for the case.

On Tuesday, Governor Pimentel and Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay each issued separate statements condemning the killing.