SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte – A 56-year-old radio technician of DXMS Radyo Bida–Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) was shot dead by still unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in a brazen daylight attack along the National Highway in Barangay Limbo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday afternoon, July 14.
The victim was identified as Dennis Daborbor Pido, a long-time radio technician of DXMS Radyo Bida based in Cotabato City. He was reportedly a resident of Pigcawayan, Cotabato, and had also been associated with an address along Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City.
According to the initial police investigation, Pido was riding his Honda CRF 300 motorcycle and was reportedly on his way to work at around 3:00 to 3:40 p.m. when he was tailed by unidentified assailants also riding a motorcycle.
Without warning, the suspects pulled alongside the victim and opened fire repeatedly, striking him multiple times before fleeing toward an unknown direction.
Responders rushed Pido to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life. However, despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries after sustaining three gunshot wounds.
Crime scene investigators recovered four fired cartridge cases and one fired bullet from the scene, which are now being processed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the perpetrators while investigators continue to establish the motive behind the killing.
NDBC Condemns “Senseless Act of Violence”
The Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC), through its Chief Executive Officer Fr. Rockmoore M. Saniel, OMI, expressed profound grief over the death of one of its most dedicated employees and strongly condemned the killing.
In an official statement, NDBC described Pido as a committed radio technician whose work behind the scenes ensured that the station’s mission of delivering information and public service continued without interruption.
The broadcasting network said it mourns not only the loss of a valued employee but also of a colleague and friend whose dedication had touched many lives.
NDBC emphasized that violence has no place in a civilized and democratic society, stressing that every life taken through criminal violence is an attack not only on the victim and the family but also on the peace and security of communities, particularly in the Bangsamoro region.
The network called on the Local Government Unit, the Philippine National Police, and all concerned government agencies to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation, urging authorities to exhaust every lead, identify everyone responsible, and ensure they are held fully accountable under the law.
The organization likewise appealed to anyone possessing information about the crime to cooperate with investigators and called on media practitioners, civil society organizations, community leaders, and the public to unite in rejecting violence and strengthening peace, justice, and respect for human life.
The statement concluded with a rallying call: “Justice for Dennis Pido! Let the truth prevail, and let justice be done.”
A Heinous Attack That Must Not Go Unpunished
The killing of Dennis Pido is yet another alarming reminder of the continuing threat posed by gun violence in Mindanao. The broad daylight execution of an unarmed civilian—particularly one serving the public through the media industry—deserves the strongest condemnation.
Those responsible must be swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Justice delayed only deepens the suffering of the victim’s loved ones and undermines public confidence in the rule of law.
The safety of media workers, including those working behind the microphones and cameras, must remain a priority. Every attack against individuals serving the public interest is an attack against the values of peace, security, and democracy.
The Mindanao Sentinel extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dennis Daborbor Pido, as well as to the entire Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) family during this time of profound grief.
We mourn the loss of a fellow media worker whose quiet dedication behind the scenes helped keep the public informed every day. We join the call for a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought before the bar of justice.
We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence and stand in solidarity with the media community in defending the sanctity of human life, press freedom, and the pursuit of truth and justice.
May Dennis Pido rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in the midst of this tragic loss.