Monday, August 11, 2008 Radio commentator dies in Gensan By Nelson C. Bagaforo
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A radio commentator, who was shot by still unidentified gunmen on August 4, died on Saturday, after five days of fighting for his life at the intensive care unit of St. Elizabeth's Hospital here.
Dennis Cuesta, program director of radio station DXMD of the Radio Mindanao Network here, died at around 4 p.m. He was 38.
He succumbed to several gunshot wounds, one bullet shattering his skull and one lodged in his hip, his attending physicians told reporters.
According to the victim's wife Gloria, Cuesta showed signs of recovery on Friday when he started to move his fingers and open his left eye.
"I thought they were signs of recovery," Gloria told reporters.
Central Mindanao Police Director Felizardo M. Serapio Jr., ordered the creation of Task Force Cuesta to resolve the killing of the radio commentator.
Serapio said the killing could have been work-related, adding the victim was a hard-hitting radio commentator.
Other motive being considered is the victim being a witness to an illegal detention case, the police official said.
Cuesta was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen at around 4:30 p.m. Monday along the national highway near the Catholic-owned dxCP radio station and a big shopping mall in the city, Serapio said.
The victim came from nearby Sarangani when he was attacked.
Citing initial investigation, the police official said the suspects approached the victim from behind and shot him five times at close range using a caliber .45 pistol.
The victim was rushed to the St. Elizabeth Hospital for medical treatment but died five days after.
Serapio said investigators are still gathering evidences and witnesses' account that will help pin down the attackers.
The victim anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and is known for his aggressive commentaries on controversial issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government and illegal drugs, according to statement issued buy the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines.
