MANILA, Philippines (GMANews.TV / September 01, 2008) — Four journalists based in the central province of Capiz received a cruel death threat last weekend, with the "threat" coming in the form of text messages sent to their friends and relatives.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said Tuesday the text message circulated Sunday night, claiming three of the journalists died and the fourth was in critical condition.
"If it was not a joke, was it meant to silence not only the four of us but also the whole media community in Capiz on issues affecting public interest? Was it meant to divert the media on the more pressing issues and eventually silence them?" the four asked in a statement posted Tuesday evening on the NUJP website (www.nujp.org).
"We call on our colleagues in media not to be intimated by this latest attack on press freedom. With God's help, we shall triumph," they added.
The NUJP said the text messages, which claimed the four had figured in a vehicular accident, were sent to even the Capiz governor.
Named as "dead" in the text messages were John Heredia, Gerry Pagharion and Edward Basilonia. The three were supposedly declared dead on arrival at the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.
The fourth journalist, Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Felipe Celino, was supposedly in critical condition.
Heredia chairs the Capiz chapter of the NUJP, while Pagharion is the editor of Capiz Times. Basilonia is publisher of the Capiz Chronicle and head of the Provincial Capitol Media Bureau.
At the time the text message was sent, all four were in their homes sleeping.
On Monday, the four issued a statement on Monday denouncing the text message as "uncalled for and malicious," especially in the wake of the killing of Capiz broadcaster Martin Roxas.
The four had been active in reporting the killing of Roxas, who was shot dead by one of two motorcycle-riding men along Bayot Drive in Roxas City, last Aug. 7.
Cyril Simpas, station manager of dyOW Bombo in Roxas City, said he was among those who received the text message from an unknown sender using the number 09085664485.
After he received the text at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Simpas said he tried calling the number but it could not be reached.
The unidentified sender also sent similar messages to provincial administrator Zoe Herrera, Roxas City administrator Ronald Amigo, IBC-dyJJ station manager Rexam Laguda and RMN-dyVR reporter Ebe Ballos.
Ballos forwarded the message to station manager Eliezer Abarra of RMN-dyVR.
Showing posts with label Martin Roxas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martin Roxas. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Journalists Pay Tribute To Fallen Colleagues In Philippines
Journalists pray for murdered members of the Philippine media in front of the radio station dxRZ of the Radio Mindanao Network on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 in Zamboanga City. Two RMN broadcasters, Dennis Cuesta and Martin Roxas, were killed in separate attacks last week in the Philippines; bringing to 97 the number of journalists killed in line of duty since President Gloria Arroyo assumed power in 2001. The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Many Filipino journalists are also being harassed, coerced and intimidated because of the news they report. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 21, 2008) - Dozens of journalists held prayers and paid tribute to two slain colleagues in the southern Philippines.
Two broadcasters of the Radio Mindanao Network, Dennis Cuesta and Martin Roxas, were killed in August in separate attacks in the Philippines, bringing to 97 the number of journalists killed in line of duty since President Gloria Arroyo assumed to power in 2001.
The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Many Filipino journalists are also being harassed, coerced and intimidated because of the news they report.
Reporters here on Wednesday held a prayer in front of the radio station dxRZ, owned by Radio Mindanao Network, to honor murdered journalists. They later proceeded to the church where a mass was held for Cuesta and Roxas and others killed in recent years.
It was the first in the history of media in Zamboanga City that journalists from different media outfits gathered together to seek justice for the killings.
Five journalists - Gloria Martin, Rey Bancairin, Greg Hapalla, Jade Ladja and Candelario Cayona Jr. - had been mercilessly killed in Zamboanga City over the past years and all their cases remain unsolved. Their killers were believed to be hired assassins.
“All these cases are in the archives of the court and hardly a resolution and if there’s any, not a single mastermind to the crimes is prosecuted or jailed,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in a statement.
“Speaking, uncovering and writing about the truth in the face of power is also dangerous as we have countless reports of harassment, intimidation, persecution and threats,” it said.
“Speaking, uncovering and writing about the truth in the face of power is also dangerous as we have countless reports of harassment, intimidation, persecution and threats,” it said.
In the past, the local RMN station nearly closed after it aired reports about the operation and existence of the Abu Sayyaf group.
“The quest for justice is not going to end here today. As we continue performing our chosen profession, the struggle will go on and we must continue advocating press freedom,” the journalists said in the statement.
International media organizations and human rights groups have condemned the killings of the journalists and harassment of media workers in the Philippines.
The International Federation of Journalists also pledged its solidarity to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, an IFJ affiliate, and all journalists in the Philippines as they mark a National Day of Mourning for Media in recognition of fallen colleagues.
Alongside the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists and Radio Mindanao Network and other media organizations, NUJP representatives wore black in a nationally coordinated action across the country.
Aside from Zamboanga, short ceremonies paying tribute to killed journalists were held also in metropolitan Manila as well as Baguio, Olongapo, Pampanga, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Davao, Quezon, Bukidnon, Kidapawan, Ozamiz, General Santos and Sulu.
The murders of two Radio Mindanao Network journalists contributed to a newly somber outlook for the safety and protection of the media in the Philippines, following a period of optimism when violence against the media appeared to decrease and the Philippines courts began to take action to investigate the killings of journalists.
Five journalists in the Philippines have lost their lives in the course of their work since the beginning of 2008.
"Journalists and journalists' leaders in the Philippines have shown great courage and determination in fighting for press freedom despite the danger and hostility they confront in the course of doing their jobs," IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
"The IFJ stands with our colleagues in the Philippines in sending a message to all perpetrators of violence against Filipino media workers that we will maintain our commitment as guardians of the public interest and the independent voice of the people."
In mourning all journalists killed while conducting their work, the IFJ is also saddened to learn of the shooting death of Ronaldo Julia, a former journalist for DZGE radio and the Weekly Informer, in Camarines Sur province on August 16, whose murder is reportedly unrelated to his media work.
"The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of all journalists killed in the Philippines," it said in a statement. (Mindanao Examiner)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Cop Charged For Murder Of Mindanao Radioman: INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines (Inquirer.net / August 18, 2008) - A junior police officer has been charged for the murder of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, who died five days after he was shot in General Santos City on August 4.
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
Police said the charges against the police officer were filed after two eyewitnesses tagged him as the gunman. Investigators will also cross-match Acharon with the artist’s sketch earlier released by the police.
The NUJP sought the meeting with the PNP leadership and Task Force Usig, the special police unit tasked to probe media and political killings, after receiving reports there were efforts to whitewash Cuesta’s murder because one of the suspects is a policeman.
Cuesta, who anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and was known for hard-hitting commentaries on issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government, and illegal drugs, slipped into a coma after he was shot in the head and hip, the NUJP said.
He died two days after another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was gunned down in Roxas City, Capiz. Roxas was also an officer of the NUJP chapter in Capiz and was the first member of the media organization to be killed.
The two broadcasters brought the total number of journalists murdered since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power, to 90, the highest death toll under any administration, including the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.(Thea Alberto)
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
Police said the charges against the police officer were filed after two eyewitnesses tagged him as the gunman. Investigators will also cross-match Acharon with the artist’s sketch earlier released by the police.
The NUJP sought the meeting with the PNP leadership and Task Force Usig, the special police unit tasked to probe media and political killings, after receiving reports there were efforts to whitewash Cuesta’s murder because one of the suspects is a policeman.
Cuesta, who anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and was known for hard-hitting commentaries on issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government, and illegal drugs, slipped into a coma after he was shot in the head and hip, the NUJP said.
He died two days after another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was gunned down in Roxas City, Capiz. Roxas was also an officer of the NUJP chapter in Capiz and was the first member of the media organization to be killed.
The two broadcasters brought the total number of journalists murdered since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power, to 90, the highest death toll under any administration, including the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.(Thea Alberto)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Filipino Journalists Band For Fallen Colleagues
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi Chapter is going to hold two activities on August 20, 2008 starting 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
On August 20, 2008 at 11am, Reading of Solidarity Statement pertaining to slain journalists in front of the RMN Station along Pilar Street and followed by a mass at the Saint Joseph Church.
The activities are intended for journalists like Dennis Cuesta of DxMD General Santos City a station manager and Martin Roxas, RMN DyKR an officer of NUJP Capiz Chapter and for other 94 journalists killed since 1986.
Based on the documentation of the NUJP Media Safety Office, there have been 7 RMN broadcasters slain since 1986, with Martin and Dennis as the 6th and 7th. Based also on our data, Dennis was the 7th journalist killed in General Santos since 1986, making General Santos the most dangerous place for journalists in the Philippines.
1. Florante "Boy" Castro, DXCP Gen San - 1986
2. Jean Ladringan, Southern Star, Gen San - 1990
3. Dominador "Dom" Bentulan, DXGS Gen San - 1998
4. Odilon Mallari , DXCP Gen San - 1998
5. Ely Binoya, Radyo Natin Gen San - 2004
6. Jun Abayon, RGMA Super Radyo - 2004
7. Dennis Cuesta, DXMD Gen San - 2008
These localized activities are still part of the coordinated and simultaneous actions of the NUJP nationwide for August 20, 2008, the scheduled burial date of Roxas in Roxas City.
In line with this the NUJP Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi Chapter is inviting your presence and participation in the said two events and mourn with us for the loss of fellow journalists at the same time call for appropriate actions for justice.
NUJP ZAMBASULTA Chapter
On August 20, 2008 at 11am, Reading of Solidarity Statement pertaining to slain journalists in front of the RMN Station along Pilar Street and followed by a mass at the Saint Joseph Church.
The activities are intended for journalists like Dennis Cuesta of DxMD General Santos City a station manager and Martin Roxas, RMN DyKR an officer of NUJP Capiz Chapter and for other 94 journalists killed since 1986.
Based on the documentation of the NUJP Media Safety Office, there have been 7 RMN broadcasters slain since 1986, with Martin and Dennis as the 6th and 7th. Based also on our data, Dennis was the 7th journalist killed in General Santos since 1986, making General Santos the most dangerous place for journalists in the Philippines.
1. Florante "Boy" Castro, DXCP Gen San - 1986
2. Jean Ladringan, Southern Star, Gen San - 1990
3. Dominador "Dom" Bentulan, DXGS Gen San - 1998
4. Odilon Mallari , DXCP Gen San - 1998
5. Ely Binoya, Radyo Natin Gen San - 2004
6. Jun Abayon, RGMA Super Radyo - 2004
7. Dennis Cuesta, DXMD Gen San - 2008
These localized activities are still part of the coordinated and simultaneous actions of the NUJP nationwide for August 20, 2008, the scheduled burial date of Roxas in Roxas City.
In line with this the NUJP Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi Chapter is inviting your presence and participation in the said two events and mourn with us for the loss of fellow journalists at the same time call for appropriate actions for justice.
NUJP ZAMBASULTA Chapter
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Attacks On Journalists Continue In The Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 16, 2008) – A Filipino journalist was killed by an unidentified gunman in an attack just outside his house in the town of Magarao in Bicol region’s Camarines Sur province.
The victim, Ronaldo Julia, was shot three times in the body at around 11 p.m. on Friday, his wife said. “He was shot a few meter outside our house,” she said.
Julia was writing for the Weekly Informer newspaper and as a broadcaster at a local radio station.
Journalists held a vigil at funeral house where Julia’s body was brought and condemned the attack.
Last week, two broadcasters of the Radio Mindanao Network - Dennis Cuesta in General Santos and Martin Roxas in Roxas province – were also killed in separate attacks.
The victim, Ronaldo Julia, was shot three times in the body at around 11 p.m. on Friday, his wife said. “He was shot a few meter outside our house,” she said.
Julia was writing for the Weekly Informer newspaper and as a broadcaster at a local radio station.
Journalists held a vigil at funeral house where Julia’s body was brought and condemned the attack.
Last week, two broadcasters of the Radio Mindanao Network - Dennis Cuesta in General Santos and Martin Roxas in Roxas province – were also killed in separate attacks.
Roxas was the program director of Radio Mindanao Network's dyVR and auditor of the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.Local and international media groups have also condemned the killings and urged authorities to immediately resolve the twin murders. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
IFJ: Philippines Media Shocked at Fatal Shooting of Radio Journalist
Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply saddened by the murder of broadcast journalist Martin Roxas, who was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Capiz, the Philippines, on August 7.
Roxas, 32, anchorman of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station dyVR and host of the station’s midday program “Targetanay sa Udto” was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as he left the radio station in Barangay village at 1pm.
Colleagues reportedly informed police that Roxas, who was also auditor for the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, had been beaten by a group of young men last week.
Roxas is the second RMN broadcaster to be targeted this week. Dennis Cuesta, program director for the dxMD program on the RMN network is currently fighting for his life after suffering three bullet wounds to his head in an attack in General Santos City on August 4.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001.
“It is with great distress that the IFJ reports that Roxas’ murder and the attack on Cuesta have seen the Philippines return to the top of the most dangerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region for journalists so far in 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ welcomes reports that the Capiz provincial police have established a taskforce to investigate Roxas’ shooting and that two persons have been detained.”
The IFJ joins the NUJP in appealing to the RMN network and local authorities to provide extra security and protection for journalists, particularly as they travel to and from work.
“Only through public condemnation and the active pursuit of justice will authorities send a clear message that such heinous attacks will not be tolerated.”
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to Roxas’ family and friends, to the NUJP, and to the Radio Mindanao Network for the shocking attacks on two of its journalists this week.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries
Roxas, 32, anchorman of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station dyVR and host of the station’s midday program “Targetanay sa Udto” was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as he left the radio station in Barangay village at 1pm.
Colleagues reportedly informed police that Roxas, who was also auditor for the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, had been beaten by a group of young men last week.
Roxas is the second RMN broadcaster to be targeted this week. Dennis Cuesta, program director for the dxMD program on the RMN network is currently fighting for his life after suffering three bullet wounds to his head in an attack in General Santos City on August 4.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001.
“It is with great distress that the IFJ reports that Roxas’ murder and the attack on Cuesta have seen the Philippines return to the top of the most dangerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region for journalists so far in 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ welcomes reports that the Capiz provincial police have established a taskforce to investigate Roxas’ shooting and that two persons have been detained.”
The IFJ joins the NUJP in appealing to the RMN network and local authorities to provide extra security and protection for journalists, particularly as they travel to and from work.
“Only through public condemnation and the active pursuit of justice will authorities send a clear message that such heinous attacks will not be tolerated.”
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to Roxas’ family and friends, to the NUJP, and to the Radio Mindanao Network for the shocking attacks on two of its journalists this week.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries
Capiz Radioman's Murder Mocks Government's Claims: NUJP
The murder in broad daylight of Capiz broadcaster Martin Roxas on Thursday, August 7, mocks government's claims that it has brought down the incidence of extrajudicial killings, particularly the murder of journalists.
Roxas, 32, is the fourth journalist murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001.
The brazenness with which he was slain and the short span of time since another colleague, General Santos broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, was shot and grievously wounded in another daytime attack, merely show that the culture of impunity the government has helped nurture by its inaction, apathy and even its outright attempts to stifle press freedom, continues to thrive.
Roxas was chased and gunned down as he left the station after his program at around 1 p.m. Thursday. He died in a hospital about an hour later from a gunshot to the spine.
Roxas was the program director of Radio Mindanao Network's dyVR and auditor of the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines.
NUJP members in General Santos and Davao City joined the protest action held this afternoon in General Santos while NUJP-Iloilo has organized a mass. Similar actions are being planned in other areas, including Manila.
As we grieve the loss of yet another colleague, we call on all independent Filipino journalists to remain steadfast in our mission of serving the people by delivering to them the information they will need in molding their individual and collective futures.(http://www.nujp.org)
Roxas, 32, is the fourth journalist murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001.
The brazenness with which he was slain and the short span of time since another colleague, General Santos broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, was shot and grievously wounded in another daytime attack, merely show that the culture of impunity the government has helped nurture by its inaction, apathy and even its outright attempts to stifle press freedom, continues to thrive.
Roxas was chased and gunned down as he left the station after his program at around 1 p.m. Thursday. He died in a hospital about an hour later from a gunshot to the spine.
Roxas was the program director of Radio Mindanao Network's dyVR and auditor of the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines.
NUJP members in General Santos and Davao City joined the protest action held this afternoon in General Santos while NUJP-Iloilo has organized a mass. Similar actions are being planned in other areas, including Manila.
As we grieve the loss of yet another colleague, we call on all independent Filipino journalists to remain steadfast in our mission of serving the people by delivering to them the information they will need in molding their individual and collective futures.(http://www.nujp.org)
Friday, August 08, 2008
NUJP To Gov't: Prove Resolve To End Killings - GMANews.TV
MANILA, Philippines (August 8, 2008) - In the heels of another attack against a journalist, a national media organization on Friday challenged the government to immediately arrest the assailants and masterminds behind such cases if it is serious in stopping the culture of impunity.
In a radio interview, Jose Torres Jr, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chairman, said it is lamentable that the government has yet to concretely show it is serious in stopping the attacks against journalists.
"We hope the government will really show it is serious in solving these cases by targeting the masterminds. We have a culture of impunity now because the killers and masterminds are not being made responsible for these attacks. Just one conviction of a mastermind will change that.
Right now, they are just keeping their silence behind the scenes, probably hunting down the next victim," Torres said in Filipino in an interview on dwIZ radio.
Torres said that in the case of slain Radio Mindanao Network anchor Martin Roxas, police brought in two suspects for questioning as of late Thursday. But he said police should go further by going after the masterminds behind the killing.
Roxas supposedly received death threats before he was shot dead Thursday.
Roxas' killing is the second this week. On Monday, Dennis Cuesta, another RMN anchor, was shot in General Santos City. Cuesta was seriously wounded in the attack.
For his part, Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr said he has ordered the regional directors concerned to solve the cases soonest.
"Identify the suspect, arrest him and file charges... Ipakita natin ang ating resolve na tigilin ang senseless killings na nangyayari rito (Let us show them our resolve to end these senseless killings)," Razon said in an interview on dwIZ. - GMANews.TV
In a radio interview, Jose Torres Jr, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chairman, said it is lamentable that the government has yet to concretely show it is serious in stopping the attacks against journalists.
"We hope the government will really show it is serious in solving these cases by targeting the masterminds. We have a culture of impunity now because the killers and masterminds are not being made responsible for these attacks. Just one conviction of a mastermind will change that.
Right now, they are just keeping their silence behind the scenes, probably hunting down the next victim," Torres said in Filipino in an interview on dwIZ radio.
Torres said that in the case of slain Radio Mindanao Network anchor Martin Roxas, police brought in two suspects for questioning as of late Thursday. But he said police should go further by going after the masterminds behind the killing.
Roxas supposedly received death threats before he was shot dead Thursday.
Roxas' killing is the second this week. On Monday, Dennis Cuesta, another RMN anchor, was shot in General Santos City. Cuesta was seriously wounded in the attack.
For his part, Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr said he has ordered the regional directors concerned to solve the cases soonest.
"Identify the suspect, arrest him and file charges... Ipakita natin ang ating resolve na tigilin ang senseless killings na nangyayari rito (Let us show them our resolve to end these senseless killings)," Razon said in an interview on dwIZ. - GMANews.TV
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Another RMN Broadcaster Shot Dead In Roxas City
MANILA, Philippines (August 7, 2008) - A broadcast journalist of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in Roxas City, Capiz who is also an officer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in the province was shot and killed in a broad daylight attack on Thursday.
The murder of Martin Roxas, 32, anchorman of RMN station dyVR and host of the station's noontime program, Targetanay sa Udto, by two motorcycle-riding gunmen, came three days after another RMN broadcaster, Dennis Cuesta, was seriously hurt in a shooting attack in General Santos City. Cuesta still lies in a comatose state up to this time.
Reports from Capiz said Roxas, who is auditor of the NUJP-Capiz, had just finished his program and left the radio station in Barangay (village) Punta Tabuc at 1 p.m. on his motorcycle when the gunmen pursued him.
The gunmen shot him around a kilometer away from the city proper and fled, said John Heredia, NUJP- Capiz chairman.
Roxas died past 2 p.m. at the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, to which he was rushed, from a bullet that hit his spinal column, Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, Western Visayas police director, said.
Police are investigating two persons who were intercepted at a checkpoint.
Cuevas also said a task force headed by Senior Supt. Josephus Angan, Capiz provincial police director, has been formed to investigateRoxas' murder. He also said the investigation will look into the possibility the killing was work-related since Roxas tackled various issues.
According to Heredia, Roxas had told colleagues and co-employees that he was beaten up by a group of young men last week. He said they are still determining if this was related to the shooting.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001. (IFJ-NUJP Media Safety Office)
The murder of Martin Roxas, 32, anchorman of RMN station dyVR and host of the station's noontime program, Targetanay sa Udto, by two motorcycle-riding gunmen, came three days after another RMN broadcaster, Dennis Cuesta, was seriously hurt in a shooting attack in General Santos City. Cuesta still lies in a comatose state up to this time.
Reports from Capiz said Roxas, who is auditor of the NUJP-Capiz, had just finished his program and left the radio station in Barangay (village) Punta Tabuc at 1 p.m. on his motorcycle when the gunmen pursued him.
The gunmen shot him around a kilometer away from the city proper and fled, said John Heredia, NUJP- Capiz chairman.
Roxas died past 2 p.m. at the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, to which he was rushed, from a bullet that hit his spinal column, Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, Western Visayas police director, said.
Police are investigating two persons who were intercepted at a checkpoint.
Cuevas also said a task force headed by Senior Supt. Josephus Angan, Capiz provincial police director, has been formed to investigateRoxas' murder. He also said the investigation will look into the possibility the killing was work-related since Roxas tackled various issues.
According to Heredia, Roxas had told colleagues and co-employees that he was beaten up by a group of young men last week. He said they are still determining if this was related to the shooting.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001. (IFJ-NUJP Media Safety Office)
Broadcaster Shot Dead In Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (August 7, 2008) - A radio broadcaster was shot dead in the central Philippines, three days after his colleague was critically wounded in a similar attack, their employer said.
Martin Roxas, 32, program director of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was killed just minutes after leaving the station at around noon (local time) in central Roxas city.
"He was aboard a motorcycle, and was just 900 metres away from the station when a gunman shot him in the back of the neck," said RMN radio station manager Ely Abarra.
"He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival," Abarra said.
Roxas, who leaves behind a wife and two children aged three and one, had been a radio commentator for more than a decade.
His program tackled local politics, and police said it was possible he could have been attacked because of his work.
Abarra said there was an apparent attempt on Roxas recently, when he was kicked from his motorcycle. Roxas dismissed the incident, but had been taking precautions.
"This week, his topics touched on an ongoing political squabble involving two politicians," Abarra said without elaborating.
Meanwhile, colleague Dennis Cuesta was fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in General Santos city on Monday.
The attacks come more than a month after gunmen shot and killed Bert Sison, a reporter for a community newspaper in Quezon province. Sison's daughter, who is also a journalist, was wounded in the attack.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists and French group Reporters Without Borders have branded the Philippines the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside Iraq.
Three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, while 12 were killed in 2006.(AAP)
Martin Roxas, 32, program director of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was killed just minutes after leaving the station at around noon (local time) in central Roxas city.
"He was aboard a motorcycle, and was just 900 metres away from the station when a gunman shot him in the back of the neck," said RMN radio station manager Ely Abarra.
"He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival," Abarra said.
Roxas, who leaves behind a wife and two children aged three and one, had been a radio commentator for more than a decade.
His program tackled local politics, and police said it was possible he could have been attacked because of his work.
Abarra said there was an apparent attempt on Roxas recently, when he was kicked from his motorcycle. Roxas dismissed the incident, but had been taking precautions.
"This week, his topics touched on an ongoing political squabble involving two politicians," Abarra said without elaborating.
Meanwhile, colleague Dennis Cuesta was fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in General Santos city on Monday.
The attacks come more than a month after gunmen shot and killed Bert Sison, a reporter for a community newspaper in Quezon province. Sison's daughter, who is also a journalist, was wounded in the attack.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists and French group Reporters Without Borders have branded the Philippines the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside Iraq.
Three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, while 12 were killed in 2006.(AAP)
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