The International Federation of Journalists, the world's largest journalists' organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply concerned over the murder of Radyo Natin commentator Eliseo "Ely" Binoya in the Philippines on 17 June 2004.

Binoya is the second journalist killed in the Philippines this year. In 2003, seven journalists were murdered, making the Philippines one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

In a letter to the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, IFJ President Christopher Warren demanded that she make good on her promise to protect journalists and that authorities properly investigate the murder of Binoya.

Binoya was travelling home from work when two assailants chased him down on motorcycles. They shot Binoya in the back three times, which, police say killed him instantly.

Local journalists said that the murder was possibly tied to Binoya's political commentaries. Just ten days before his murder, Binoya had accused three associates of local mayor, Teodorico Padernilla, of physically attacking him. He had also allegedly received several death threats.

The IFJ says that Binoya is one of dozens of journalists that have been killed in the Philippines since 1986 and all cases remain open with no arrests to date. According to the IFJ's Philippines affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), there has already been a wide range of attacks on journalists this year, including a grenade attack and intimidation by the military. In February, a radio commentator in Legazpi City, Ruel Endrinal, was shot dead.

Warren said that there are very real concerns that the recent violence is part of a trend aimed at silencing the press in the Philippines. "Each of the journalists that have been targeted were all working towards greater government accountability," he said.

"It is imperative that a full investigation is launched into Binoya's murder and that President Macapagal-Arroyo delivers on her promise to protect journalists in the Philippines," said Warren.

For further information, please contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries

The IFJ protested to the President of the Philippines in the following letter:

21 June 2004

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Republic of the Philippines
Via email: [email protected]

Dear President,

The International Federation of Journalists, the global organisation of journalists, representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is gravely concerned over the murder of broadcast journalist Eliseo "Ely" Binoya.

According to our information, on 17 June 2004, Mr Binoya was chased down and shot by assailants on motorcycles as he travelled home from work.

Reports from local journalists attribute the killing to his on-air criticism of local politicians and claim that he had previously received death threats.

Binoya is the second journalist to have been murdered in the Philippines in 2004 is one of dozens to have been killed since 1986. According to our information, there has also been extensive reports of attacks against journalists this year, which has included grenade attacks and intimidation by the Philippines military. So far none of the offenders have been successfully prosecuted.

The IFJ fears that the recent violence is part of a trend aimed at silencing the Philippines press. Each of the journalists that have been targeted were all working towards greater government accountability.

It is imperative that you deliver on your promise to protect journalists in the Philippines.

The IFJ is calling on the Government of the Philippines to launch a full investigation into the death of Eliseo Binoya. The killing of journalists is the most severe attack on press freedom and democracy and must not be allowed to continue.

Yours sincerely,


Christopher Warren
President, IFJ

Recommended action:

Send appeals: