Radio journalist Rogelio Butalid lies dead outside the Radyo Natin station in Tagum City after being shot by a lone gunman. Butalid (inset) was also a village councilor. FRINSTON LIM/INQUIRER MINDANAO
MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations agency tasked to defend press freedom has condemned the spate of murders of journalists in Mindanao, urging the government to ensure justice is served in these cases.
The Philippines has been listed among the most dangerous countries for journalists.
The head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Monday called for an investigation of the deaths of three journalists in separate incidents in less than two weeks, saying it was “very important” that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
“I condemn the attacks that claimed the lives of journalists Rogelio Butalib, Michael Diaz Milo and Joas Dignos,” Irina Bokova, UNESCO Secretary-General, said of the three radio broadcasters killed just days apart.
Bokova joined growing international voice in condemning the recent attacks, a string of slays that seemed to reinforce the country’s worsening record in protecting media professionals. So far this year, eight journalists have been killed, with a total 27 slain since President Aquino assumed office in 2010.
“It is very important that those responsible for these murders be brought to trial. Media workers in the Philippines have been paying a heavy price for exercising their right to free speech and providing society with independent news and reports,” she said in a statement issued Monday but reached Manila Tuesday morning.
On Dec. 11, Radyo Natin blocktime commentator Rogelio Butalid was shot dead outside his studio in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. His death followed the slay of DXFM host Michael Diaz Milo, who was killed on Dec. 6 in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur. On Nov. 29 DXGT radio broadcaster Joas Dignos was also shot dead in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
UNESCO, the UN agency tasked to defend freedom of the press and expression, said the names of the three would be added to UNESCO’s dedicated webpage for journalists killed in the line of duty.
In 1997, UNESCO adopted Resolution 29, the Condemnation of Violence against Journalists, which invites the Director-General “to condemn assassination and any physical violence against journalists as a crime against society” and “to urge that the competent authorities discharge their duty of preventing, investigating and punishing such crimes.”
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