MANILA, Philippines - Justice secretary Raul Gonzalez has ordered a deeper investigation into the killing of Radio Mindanao Network anchorman Martin Roxas, an online news site reported.
The News Today reported that Gonzalez directed the Philippine National Police to determine the motive of the killing.
Gonzalez said his department assured protection for any witness who would come out to identify the assailants.
Roxas, program director of the DYVR of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) and host of the station's "Targetanay sa Udto" noontime program, was gunned down Aug. 7.
At least two armed motorcycle-riding men shot him minutes after he left the station on board a motorcycle.
Police initially arrested two suspects identified as as Joenel Lastimoso, 27, and Christian Tan, 25, who were intercepted at a police checkpoint.
For his part, justice undersecretary and Task Force 211 head Ricardo Blancaflor said he has directed prosecutors to file the appropriate charges if there is enough evidence against the suspects.
Blancaflor said it is "very regrettable that the attacks have happened after the cases of attacks against journalists have gone down last year."
"I do not understand why the killings continue. This shows the prevalence of a culture of violence," said Blancaflor.
International and national media organizations have condemned the killing of Roxas. - GMANews.TV