The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in calling for an immediate investigation into the November 24 shooting of journalist Michael James Licuanan in Cagayan de Oro, in Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

Licuanan, anchor of Zona Libre, on Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro, was critically wounded by a single gunshot wound at about 9:30 pm as he was nearing Cogon Market, about a kilometer away from the radio station. Two men on a red motorcycle, who were reportedly sighted outside the station several hours before the shooting, followed Licuanan from the station as he returned home from his duties anchoring his evening program.

After being shot, Licuanan was able to run to a nearby fire station where he asked for help. Licuanan was taken to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center for treatment, and has since regained consciousness, according to media reports.

Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro City Station Manager Celso Maldecir said Licuanan had been commenting on the arrest of Sammy M. Yusop by Phillipine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA 10) agents on November 22. Yusop was caught with 1.5 kilos of methamphetamine, with a street value of PHP 20 million (roughly USD 500,000) in a raid carried out by PDEA 10.  

“Philippines police and drug enforcement agents must quickly establish if Licuanan’s shooting is related to his on-air comments regarding the drug bust in Cagayan de Oro,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“The IFJ condemns the shooting and is concerned by what appears to be an escalation of violence against journalists in the Philippines in 2011.”

The Philippines has for many years been one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. While only four journalists were killed in 2010, so far seven have been killed in 2011, and attacks and threats are still widespread.

The shooting comes the day after the NUJP staged nationwide protests as part of the inaugural International Day to End Impunity, which marked the two-year anniversary of the Ampatuan Town Massacre in the Philippines on November 23, 2009.

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