Broadcaster shot dead in latest Philippine media murder

DAVAO: Gunmen shot dead an outspoken radio broadcaster in the Philippines, worsening the country’s record as one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, press and human rights groups said on Saturday.

Joas Dignos, who commented on local issues in his weekday show, Bombardier on DXGT radio, was shot in the head by motorcycle-riding men in Valencia City in the southern island of Mindanao late Friday, police said.

Law enforcement officials would not comment on suspects or possible motives.

Dignos, 48, was known for his fiery comments regarding city officials, the radio station personnel said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said that Dignos had previously received death threats and had even stopped his live broadcasts, using recorded commentary instead due to safety concerns.

In June, a grenade was hurled at the DXGT station while one of Dignoss commentaries was being aired.

"It really looks like (the killing) is work-related because he has no known enemies in his personal life, only those who objected to his programme," said Joseph Deveza, the NUJPs safety coordinator for Mindanao.

Human Rights Watch said that as many as 24 journalists have been murdered since President Benigno Aquino took office in 2010 despite his promise to fight against such abuses.