Radio journalist shot dead in southern Philippines
November 4, 2019 · By The Straights Times for www.straitstimes.com
MANILA (DPA) – Gunmen shot dead a radio journalist in the southern Philippines who was on his way home after hosting a daily news commentary show, police said on Thursday (July 11).
Mr Eduardo Dizon, 58, suffered five gunshot wounds from the shooting on Wednesday night in Kidapawan City, 954km south of Manila, police spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac said.
He was driving home when two gunmen on a motorcycle stopped beside his car at a corner road and shot at him, city police chief Joyce Birrey added.
Mr Dizon was the 13th journalist to be killed since 2016, under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.
There was no immediate information on whether the killing was related to Mr Dizon’s work, but colleagues said he often reported on corruption and scams in his radio programme.
The Philippines has been ranked as one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists by press freedom groups, including the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.
In 2009, 32 media workers were among more than 50 people killed in a local politician’s convoy heading to a rally in the southern region of Mindanao. The alleged masterminds are currently on trial.
