August 5, 2025 | Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
A man suspected to be linked to the brutal killing of radio commentator Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia has been arrested during a joint law enforcement operation in Lingig, Surigao del Sur.
Alias “Jeffrey Birador,” a 40-year-old farmer from Sitio Napanpanan, Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan, was apprehended on the evening of August 2, 2025, after authorities implemented two search warrants that also led to the seizure of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and a fragmentation grenade.
The operation was conducted at around 7:52 PM and was part of the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Segovia—a veteran broadcaster and station manager who was ambushed in broad daylight last July 21 in Bislig City.
Segovia, 45, known for his hard-hitting public affairs program on Radyo Gugma, was gunned down by unidentified assailants while riding his motorcycle in Barangay Mangagoy shortly after his morning broadcast. Witnesses recalled that Segovia had delivered an emotional and unusually foreboding message during his final show.
The motive behind his killing remains under investigation, but authorities have identified “Jeffrey Birador” as one of the primary suspects in what is now being referred to as the “Boy Segovia” case.
Search Warrants and Seized Items
The search warrants—No. 2025-06-L and 2025-07-L—were issued by a judge from Branch 46 of the 11th Judicial Region in Bislig City, covering violations of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Republic Act No. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, or Explosives).
Items recovered from the suspect include:
- One sling bag
- One black .45 caliber Taurus pistol (serial no. 550622) with six live rounds
- One brown holster
- One .45 caliber pistol (serial no. 100160) with six live rounds
- One fragmentation grenade
Joint Forces and Legal Procedures
The successful operation was a coordinated effort of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit, Lingig Municipal Police Station, the 14th Special Action Company of the 1st Special Action Battalion (PNP Special Action Force), CIDG Surigao del Sur, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of SDSPPO. The raid was executed under the direct supervision of Police Colonel Jeffrey Lawrence D. Mauricio, Provincial Director of SDSPPO.
Police confirmed that the implementation of the search warrants was orderly and lawful, with the presence of a barangay kagawad and a media representative. The suspect was apprised of his constitutional rights during his arrest and was brought to the Lingig Municipal Police Station for custody and further legal proceedings.
Background: Who Was Boy Segovia?
Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia was a well-known radio commentator, block timer, and station manager in Bislig City. His assassination drew condemnation nationwide. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) described his death as part of the “grim pattern of attacks against journalists” in the country.
“If found to be work-related, Segovia would be the fifth journalist killed in the line of duty under the Marcos Jr. administration,” NUJP said in a statement, citing other unresolved media-related killings including that of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang in April.
Bislig City Councilor Carla Pichay earlier offered a ₱1 million reward for information leading to the capture of those responsible, vowing that “justice must be served.”
Continuing Probe
Authorities have not yet ruled out other possible motives behind the killing but noted that Birador’s arrest marks a critical step forward in the case. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and to identify any accomplices.
PCOL Mauricio commended the coordinated efforts of all units involved and assured the public that law enforcement will continue to pursue all leads until justice for Segovia is achieved.