The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in condemning the killing of another journalist in the Philippines, on May 8.

Nestor Libaton, and a news reporter for Roman Catholic church-owned radio station DXHM, was shot and killed by gunmen at approximately 2 pm on May 8 in Mati City, Davao del Sur, in the southern Philippines.

Libaton was shot while riding a motorcycle on a local highway by gunmen also on a motorcycle, according to regional police commander Chief Superintendent Jaime Morante. Libaton was shot seven times.

According to reports from the NUJP, the suspected gunmen are yet to be identified, and police are yet to establish the motive behind the attack.

“The IFJ joins the NUJP in calling on authorities to see that the investigation into the murder is effective and quickly establishes a motive for the attack,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

Nestor Burgos, chairman of the NUJP, said that Libaton's colleagues said he may have been killed because of his work, although details were not immediately available.

Libaton was married with four children.

Libaton is the fourth media person killed within the last 30 days. Aldion Layao, was killed in Davao City, on April 8,  Michael Calanasan was killed in Laguna on April 24 and Rommel Palma was killed in Koronadal City on April 30.

The Philippines is amongst the most dangerous countries in the world for media workers. Over 150 journalists have been killed in the line of duty in the Philippines since 1986.

Assailants on motorbikes have become common perpetrators of attacks on media workers in the Philippines.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

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