The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is outraged and saddened to report that radio broadcaster Aristeo Padrigao was murdered this morning. He is the sixth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, Padrigao, a commentator for the Radyo Natin morning program Sayre ang Katilingban (Know the Society) in Gingoog City, Misamis Orientalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misamis_Oriental_province province, was shot dead by unidentified suspects on a motorcycle soon after delivering his child to school.

While the motive for the killing is unclear, it is believed Padrigao was killed for his work as a journalist.

“The horrific pattern of antagonism and violence against journalists in the Philippines is a disgrace and must end,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“It is a gross failure on the part of the Government and police force that journalists continue to lose their lives in the struggle to protect and uphold press freedom and freedom of expression for all people in the Philippines.”

Standing in solidarity with all journalists in the Philippines in their courageous work, the IFJ joins the NUJP in demanding immediate action to investigate and bring the perpetrators of the murder of Padrigao and other journalists to justice.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide