Philippines: Journalist shot and killed by unidentified gunman in Davao del Sur

On October 30, Philippines reporter Orlando Dinoy was murdered in his home by a gunman in the southern province of Davao del Sur. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), strongly condemn the murder of Orlando Dinoy and call on authorities to expedite investigations into his death and charge the perpetrator.

Reporter Orlando Dinoy was killed by an unidentified gunman. Credit: Newsline.Ph

Filipino reporter Orlando ‘Dondon’ Dinoy died instantly after he was shot six times at close range in his apartment in Bansalan, Davo del Sur at 6pm on October 30. According to the NUJP, Dinoy was killed inside a makeshift recording booth when his assailant forcibly entered his home. Dinoy was a well-known community reporter for Newsline.Ph and a block time anchor for Energy FM, covering community development and crime. 

Bansalan police chief Major Peter Glen Ipong said investigations were underway to establish the killer’s identity and motives. As yet, authorities have not confirmed whether Dinoy was murdered due to his profession. 

Journalists in the Philippines are subject to frequent attacks and ongoing antagonism from authorities, with 21 journalists murdered since president Rodrigo Duterte assumed power in 2016 according to the NUJP.  

Dinoy was killed just days before the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists on November 2. In a statement the NUJP said, “Impunity for attacks on journalists highlights the urgent need for reforms in the justice system to send the message that perpetrators will be found, charged and held accountable”.

The NUJP said: “While there is no good time for an attack on a journalist, Orlando Dinoy’s killing so close to the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists highlights the need for quick government action on attacks against us”.  

The IFJ said: “The IFJ strongly condemn the murder of Orlando Dinoy and call on authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate his death. Given the precedent of impunity for crimes against journalist in the Philippines, the IFJ urges authorities to duly consider the likelihood that Dinoy’s death was work-related.”  

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

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

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