BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur — A well-known radio commentator and station manager, Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia, was shot dead in an ambush on the morning of Monday, July 21, 2025, in Barangay Mangagoy, Bislig City. He was 45.
Segovia, a veteran block timer and host of a hard-hitting public affairs program on Radyo Gugma, was reportedly on board his motorcycle when unidentified gunmen attacked him. He died on the spot beside his vehicle.
According to early accounts, Segovia had just come from his morning broadcast, where listeners noted he had given an emotional and seemingly foreboding farewell. The motive behind the brazen killing remains unclear, as authorities continue their investigation.
In response to the slaying, Bislig City Councilor Carla Pichay announced a ₱1 million reward for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. “We will not allow this violence to go unanswered. Justice must be served,” she said.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) swiftly condemned the murder, calling it another grim reminder of the deadly conditions journalists face in the country.
“This killing follows a grim pattern of attacks against journalists and reflects the longstanding climate of impunity in the Philippines,” the NUJP said in a statement. “If found to be work-related, Segovia would be the fifth journalist killed in the line of duty under the Marcos Jr. administration.”
The NUJP cited the killing of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang in Kalibo, Aklan, last April 29, among other unresolved media-related slays that continue to plague the country.
The group urged authorities to act swiftly in tracking down Segovia’s killers and to probe the possible connection of his murder to his critical commentaries.
“We also call on Congress and the Marcos administration to prioritize long-overdue protective measures for the safety and welfare of journalists,” the statement added.
As of this writing, police have yet to identify the suspects, but pledged to pursue all leads. Segovia’s death has sent shockwaves across the local media community and reignited urgent calls for justice and press freedom protection.