The

International Federation of

Journalists (IFJ) is concerned by reports that a suspect in the murder of

broadcaster Desidario “Jessie” Camangyanin the Philippines

will be released from custody just two days before he is due to face trial on

August 25.

The

news prompted the National

Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, to post an open letter to

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Philippine National

Police Director General Jesus Verzosa.

The

letter appeals for the urgent extension of the restrictive custody placed on Dennis

Lumikid, a police

officerwho is accused of killing Camangyan.

Camangyanwas shot on

the night of June 14 while hosting a singing contest in Manay, in Davao Oriental

province, in the southern Philippines.

Camangyanwas known for his

critical stance on illegal logging and mining in his work as a broadcaster with

Sunrise FM.

“The

IFJ fully supports the NUJP’s

request that Lumikid not be released before facing trial for Camangyan’s

murder,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director

Jacqueline Park said.

“We

urge authorities to take action to ensure justice is served and to bring an end

to the culture of impunity that has dominated the Philippines for too long.”

In

the letter, the NUJP pointed to a

previous case where a suspect released from custody has continued to avoid

facing trial despite an arrest warrant being issued.

In that case, Police Inspector Redempto “Boy” Acharon,

a suspect in the 2008 murder of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, remains at large

despite orders to transfer him to custody.

For further

information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ

represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries

Find the

IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific