Radio commentator in Mindanao receives death threat

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio commentator in Cagayan de Oro received a death threat on his mobile phone last 5 May 2012. Cagayan de Oro is a chartered city approximately 789 kilometers south of Manila.

Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro radio commentator Michael James “Dacoycoy” Licuanan received a text ( ) message last 5 May 2012 at around 6:00 p.m. threatening to kill him.  “Naa na diay ka pusil karon. Dili gihapon na makaluwas nimo. Pwede tika hiposon odtong dako. Ga tan-aw ra akong mga tawo sa imo James Dacoycoy. Sa pagkakaron wala ka kabalo kinsa imo tinood nga kontra ug tinood nga amigo (Loose-translation: Your having a gun won’t prevent us from killing you).” The SMS was allegedly sent in capital letters.

In a phone interview with CMFR, Licuanan said the death threat may be connected to an attempt on his life last November 2011. He said this was the first threat he has received since the incident. Licuanan hosts “Bombohanay Bigtime”, which airs daily from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Licuanan survived an attempt on his life last 24 November 2011. Two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle shot Licuanan who was on his way home from anchoring his evening program “Zona Libre.” He sustained a gunshot wound in his left buttock that exited through his abdomen.

Celso Maldecer, Bombo Radyo station manager, told CMFR Licuanan discussed a wide range of topics on his radio show and any of them could have led to the threats and attacks on his life.

Meanwhile in a separate phone interview, Senior Superintendent Gerardo Rosale, chief of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, said they are currently doing an investigation on the death , but are having a difficult time as the threat was sent through SMS. The police have a “difficult time” tracing the suspects.

After the attack on Licuanan last year, the police assigned a police officer to secure the radio station during Licuanan’s show. Licuanan himself hired two bodyguards after last year’s attack.