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JOURNALIST MURDERED

Press freedom groups call the Philippines one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists. In 2004, six were killed because of their work - the highest since 1986 when democracy was restored in the country, according to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR). This year, three journalists have already been murdered, including radio broadcaster Klein Cantoneros, who was gunned down in Dipolog City, Mindanao, on 4 May 2005.

Cantoneros was returning home from his radio station DXAA-FM when unidentified gunmen opened fire on him. He was found clutching his own gun. Although it has not been confirmed that Cantoneros was targeted because of his journalism, he was known for denouncing corruption and had reportedly received death threats, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

CMFR, CPJ, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) condemned the murder and called for an investigation.

CMFR says the island of Mindanao is a particularly dangerous place for journalists in the Philippines. Of the 52 journalists killed in the country since 1986, 24 were in Mindanao.

The murder of Cantoneros came days after another radio broadcaster, Nestor Seguismundo, was shot in the stomach in Ilocos Sur. Seguismundo works for DZXE's Radyo Tirador and is known for criticising provincial authorities on his programme.

A new report released on 2 May by RSF criticised the Philippine government for allowing a culture of impunity to flourish. It called for a United Nations fact-finding mission to the country to investigate political murders, particularly those of journalists.

IFJ says it intends to help establish a safety office in the Philippines to develop and deliver training programs on ethics, human rights, self protection and conflict reporting for journalists.

Visit these links:

- CMFR: http://www.cmfr-phil.org/
- CPJ: http://www.cpj.org/news/2005/Phil04may05na.html
- The Most Murderous Country for Journalists: http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/2005/murderous_05/murderous_05.html
- RSF Report: http://www.rsf.org/IMG/pdf/Report_Investigation_Philippines_Eng.pdf
- IFJ Report: http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/philippinesmr050405.html
- List of Journalists Killed in the Philippines: http://www.pcij.org/blog/?p=59