[5][6] She was forced to leave PDI after an internal committee looked into allegations against her, including questionable ties to businesses and sources and competitor recruiting.

The shooting occurred at noon right outside of the apartment Magsino shared with Benjamin Reyes in Barangay, Balagtas, Batangas.

Magsino was shot close up in the back of the neck with a .45 caliber with the bullet's exit out of her left eye, and she died immediately.

Partner Benjie Reyes told GMA News Online that Magsino was working on several possible stories before she died but did not disclose details.

[13] On April 18, Magsino's father said the NBI had a suspect, but the family wanted to leave it up to the officials to handle the case details.

Albayalde said Luib, who has a standing arrest warrant for two counts of murder, was identified through the help of a tipster, who provided the police information on February 4.

Albayalde said Luib also admitted his involvement in the killing of Sytin on the evening of November 28 outside the Lighthouse Resort and Hotel in Subic Zambales.

On August 8 page A19 of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, former Bauan mayor Ryanh Dolor was named the sole suspect linked to the murder of Mei Magsino.

"[11] The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said, "Mei's murder not only highlights the fact that leaving journalism is no guarantee of safety from the perils of the profession – especially not from those with long memories and deadly intent – it also underscores the depths to which the culture of impunity has become entrenched in our country and society, courtesy of a government that has shown only the most cursory regard for human rights.

"[21] Jane Worthington, Asia Pacific acting director International Federation of Journalists, said, "The IFJ offer its condolences to the family and colleagues of Melinda (Magsino) who was murdered in cold blood.

"[1] In an email to Rappler responding to Magsino's death, media ethicist Luis Teodoro wrote, "Any journalist killed diminishes the number of voices necessary in democratic discourse.