Suspect in Capiz radio broadcaster shooting arrested

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 42-year-old man linked to the attempted killing of a radio news anchor in Roxas City was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation by Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) in Barangay Poblacion, Tapaz, Capiz, on Friday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2026.

Police identified the suspect only as alias “Doming,” single and a resident of the barangay, who was listed as the second most wanted person in Tapaz.

The suspect was allegedly one of two gunmen involved in the shooting of Baskog Radyo anchor Jay Lavapiez on June 22, 2026, while he was driving his car at Crossing Costa Verde in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.

Lavapiez escaped the attack unharmed.

The operation was conducted by the Tapaz Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Capiz Provincial Police Intelligence Unit, 2nd Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company, Roxas City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Special Operations Group.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued Aug. 12, 2026, by Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Roxas City for attempted murder under Article 248, in relation to Articles 6 and 51 of the Revised Penal Code.

The court recommended bail of PHP 120,000 for his temporary liberty.

The suspect remains in the custody of the Tapaz Municipal Police Station for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.

The arrest comes as authorities continue investigating the attack on Lavapiez, which raised concerns over the safety of journalists in Capiz.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has also been monitoring the case as part of its mandate to address threats and violence against media workers.