Estranged wife and police officer accused of murdering radio broadcaster

CMFR/Philippines – Eight suspects including the radio broadcaster’s wife and a police officer have been charged with the murder of a radio broadcaster last 06 December 2013 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Surigao del Sur provincial police spokesperson SPO1 Ranilo de Malong told CMFR that murder charges have been filed against the following for the killing of radio broadcaster Michael Diaz Melo (Mike Milo): his wife April Fernandez Milo, Arnel Fernandez, Bernie Ann Fernandez, PO1 Hildo L. Patrimonio and four other unidentified people.

Melo was shot dead in Barangay (village) Mabua, Tandag City, on 06 December 2013.

De Malong said April Milo was Melo’s estranged wife. Arnel and Bernie Fernandez are April’s siblings. PO1 Patrimonio is April’s friend.

Family problems were the motive, de Malong said, but did not provide details so as not to hamper further investigation, he added. The police still have to identify four other suspects, including the gunman.

The murder charge is based on witnesses’ testimonies and other evidence, de Malong said.

Sure FM Tandag station manager Judith Suarez told CMFR that Melo mentioned having marital problems.

“He would say he was no longer living with his wife,” Suarez said. There were rumors that April was having an affair, Suarez added, but Melo did not confirm it.

Melo and April had two children together. The children are with Melo’s mother, Suarez said.

Asked if Melo had problems related to his work in radio, Suarez could not recall any.

Tandag City in the Mindanao island group is some 1,200 kilometers south of Manila.