What happened
On March 24, 2005, Marlene Garcia-Esperat was shot and killed inside her home while dining with her family. Esperat had worked for the Department of Agriculture and later became known for reporting on alleged corruption and filing complaints against public officials.
The investigation
Investigators identified several men accused of carrying out the killing. The prosecution theory held that the murder was planned rather than spontaneous, and the case attracted national attention because of Esperat's anti-corruption work and the risks faced by journalists in the Philippines.
Convictions
In September 2006, a Cebu City court found Estanislao Bismanos, Gerry Cabayag and Randy Grecia guilty beyond reasonable doubt of murder and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua. Rowie Barua was acquitted for insufficient evidence.
Unresolved accountability questions
The convictions established responsibility for three participants, but litigation and allegations concerning alleged masterminds continued separately. Those allegations should not be treated as convictions unless and until established in court.
Sources
Full text of the 2006 trial-court decision
Philstar report on the convictions