Murder Attempt Against Radio Presenter

Reporters Without Borders also urges investigation into death of Antony Licyayo of Radyo Cagayano...

In less than a week a radio presenter has been badly wounded in a murder attempt on Panay island, central Philippines and a peasant leader, who was a producer of a community radio, has been murdered on Luzon island in the north of the country.

"Once again, journalists who put themselves at the service of a politician or a cause, like that of the peasant farmers have fallen victim to contract killers who operate with impunity", said Reporters Without Borders."We urge the local and national authorities to probe these violent attacks against radio presenters. The Philippines police must continue their efforts to get these killers convicted, as happened recently in the case of Marlene Esperat", the organization said.

Arnie Pullan, presenter on local radio MBC-Radyo Natin and municipal councilor Butch Aclaro were seriously injured when they were shot at by two people riding a motorbike in Estancia, Panay island, central Philippines on 1st December.

Pullan was taken to hospital in a critical condition with head injuries. He presented the program "The Mayor's hour", in support of the city mayor, Rene Codero, who immediately accused his political opponents of having instigated the murder attempt.

In the Philippines, local radios sell time slots to private individuals known as "block timers" who can then broadcast their own commercial or political programs.

Peasant leader Antony Licyayo, 38, was murdered by an unknown assailant as he was leaving for work on 27 November with his 18-month old son in his arms. His organization supported the community radio Radyo Cagayano in Baggao, Luzon island.

The global community radio body AMARC said the radio exposed the harsh life of the peasant and military corruption. It previously came under attack on 2 July when masked and armed men torched the broadcast studios. (Reporters Sans Borders)