Philippines: Radio broadcaster shot and killed

Dindo Generoso, a radio broadcaster for DYEM 96.7 Bai Radio, was shot dead in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, November 7. International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Philippines Journalists (NUJP) condemn the killing and strongly demand authorities bring the perpetrators to justice.

The window of Dindo Generoso’s car Credit: Raffy Cabristante/106.3 Yes the Best Dumaguete

Generoso, the anchor of the program “Konsencia sa Provincia”, was shot by armed men on motorcycles as he was driving to the radio station. He died on the spot. According to police reports, two suspects are in custody, including a retired police officer.  

NUJP noted Generoso is the second journalist to be killed in Negros Oriental, a province located in the region of Central Visayas. The last journalist murder in Negros Oriental occurred on April 30, 2018 when former NUJP Dumaguete chair and radio broadcaster, Edmund Sestoso, was shot while he was on his way home after work. Sestoso died the next day. The case remains unsolved.

NUJP in Dumaguete say the killing of both Sestoso and Generoso were likely to be related to their work as a radio program hosts. If this is the case, Generoso would be the 14th journalist murdered under the Duterte administration and the 187th since 1986.

But whatever the reason for Generoso's murder, we reiterate, nothing will ever justify murder. For so long as extrajudicial killings, not only of journalists, remain unsolved, the culture of impunity that plagues the country will continue to embolden those who choose violence to impose their will and suppress people's basic rights,” NUJP said.

NUJP calls on the journalist community to band together and demand justice for the continued attacks on colleagues and on freedom of the press and expression.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists in the world. On the eve of the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, the IFJ launched a 3-week campaign to expose the staggering levels of impunity for crimes against journalists. It focuses on five countries, including Philippines where the level of impunity is high. The campaign will run until Saturday, November 23, the anniversary of the Ampatuan massacre in the Philippines where at least 32 media workers were killed.

The IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “Repeated attacks against journalists in the Philippines must end. We call on authorities to show their commitment to journalism and end the culture of assault and impunity. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the Philippines and urge all media workers and human rights defenders to do the same.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia - Pacific on [email protected]

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

Twitter: @ifjasiapacific, on Facebook: IFJAsiaPacific and Instagram