The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply saddened by the murder of broadcast journalist Martin Roxas, who was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Capiz, the Philippines, on August 7.
Roxas, 32, anchorman of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station dyVR and host of the station’s midday program “Targetanay sa Udto” was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as he left the radio station in Barangay village at 1pm.
Colleagues reportedly informed police that Roxas, who was also auditor for the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, had been beaten by a group of young men last week.
Roxas is the second RMN broadcaster to be targeted this week. Dennis Cuesta, program director for the dxMD program on the RMN network is currently fighting for his life after suffering three bullet wounds to his head in an attack in General Santos City on August 4.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001.
“It is with great distress that the IFJ reports that Roxas’ murder and the attack on Cuesta have seen the Philippines return to the top of the most dangerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region for journalists so far in 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ welcomes reports that the Capiz provincial police have established a taskforce to investigate Roxas’ shooting and that two persons have been detained.”
The IFJ joins the NUJP in appealing to the RMN network and local authorities to provide extra security and protection for journalists, particularly as they travel to and from work.
“Only through public condemnation and the active pursuit of justice will authorities send a clear message that such heinous attacks will not be tolerated.”
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to Roxas’ family and friends, to the NUJP, and to the Radio Mindanao Network for the shocking attacks on two of its journalists this week.
For further information contact IFJ
Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide