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Friday, December 28, 2007
Slain radioman's son wants killers, mastermind
By Grace L. Plata and Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- The eldest son of slain blocktime broadcaster Ferdinand "Batman" Lintuan wants the brains behind the murder of their father, not just the killers.
In a press conference held at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Thursday morning, John Mark Lintuan said they wish that the case be solved before New Year's Day -- this being the last Christmas gift they could give to their father.
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"I have not brought along my younger siblings to protect them. We have accepted that our father is gone but we hope that this case will be over before the year ends because we don't want to start the year mourning," the eldest Lintuan said.
He added: "May the hearts of those responsible for the death of our father and also those who have information that can help solve this case be touched with our call for justice."
Mayor's aid
John Mark, speaking in behalf of his three brothers age 18, 14, and 10, said he is ready and willing to accept any kind of assistance from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte should the mayor extend it.
"For my brothers, I will accept whatever help will be extended to us," the eldest Lintuan said.
He, however, refused to comment on the swirling rumors implying that his father's attack on the City Government's park project had something to do with his untimely demise.
"I would not comment on that of the mayor because I don't know what the truth is. I have heard rumors but I won't say anything about it considering that such is still being investigated," Lintuan said.
Future plans
The eldest Lintuan said they have no definite plans yet for the coming year.
"We will just finish the wake and burial of our father. Then we will discuss things. My brothers and I will need to talk because we are the only ones that could help each other," said John Marc, who is beginning to assume the responsibilities of both mother and father to his younger siblings.
He added that though there are relatives who are willing to help them in some ways, they really have to make it on their own.
Erlinda, their aunt, who was also present Thursday, said her nephew was afraid about where they would be able to get daily subsistence as well as the funding for the brothers' education.
John Marc, who is only 20 years old, has no stable job.
However, the eldest Lintuan said that he is not so afraid now as there are people, including their father's media colleagues, who have pledged to extend help for them after their father's burial.
Spare Batman
Mayor Duterte meanwhile asked some politicians to spare the late broadcaster from their politicking and give him the respect due him as a journalist and as a person.
This statement issued by Duterte was distributed to the media during a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Wednesday afternoon.
Duterte deplored the act of some politicians who are quick to blame certain groups hours after the late Lintuan was killed.
"To do that sans evidence and without giving due course to formal investigation to take place is the height of injustice for Mr. Lintuan. It's like killing him all over again," Duterte said in the same statement.
He added: "The danger in such act is that we are already tying down the hands of the police to follow the roar of the mob and pick up the wrong people. That would be adding insult to the senselessness of the killing of Lintuan."
The mayor said politicking has no place in such a sacred and tragic matter such as death.
"Let us spare it from political exploitation. Let us not follow the ways of the vultures. Mr. Lintuan deserves our respect even in death," Duterte said.
The mayor was obviously referring to the statements of some politicians blaming the Davao Death Squad for Lintuan's death. However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have no proof on the existence of Davao Death Squad.
The police are looking into all possible angles in Lintuan's death.
Duterte already offered a P500,000 reward for anyone who could give information that could lead to the arrest of Lintuan's killers.
Representative Prospero Nograles also offered another P500,000 bringing the total reward to P1 million. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (December 28, 2007 issue)
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