The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) extends it deep sympathy to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Philippines media community following the accidental death of journalist Jojo Trajano on June 4.

Local media said Trajano, a reporter for the Remate tabloid newspaper, was fatally shot while covering a police raid on a suspected drug-dealing syndicate in Taytay Town, Rizal Province, near the Philippines capital, Manila. A police officer was also reportedly killed in the crossfire.

“The killing of a colleague is huge blow to the Philippines media community,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“The death of Jojo Trajano again reinforces the need for media owners and managers to ensure that all media personnel are provided with adequate training, advice and safety equipment before they are sent out to report on potentially volatile and dangerous situations.”

Journalists in the Philippines contend with some of the most dangerous working conditions for the profession worldwide.

The IFJ joins the NUJP, an IFJ affiliate, in seeking assurances from the managers and owners of all media outlets that every precaution and effort is taken to protect the security and safety of journalists while on assignment and in their travel to and from work.

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

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