IFJ Demands Arrests For Latest Shooting In The Philippines

IFJ Demands Arrests For Latest Shooting In The Philippines

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands authorities in the Philippines take prompt action to arrest those responsible for shooting radio commentator Randy T. Makiputin in Valencia City in the country’s south on November 26.

Makiputin, 39, a broadcaster with Radyo Abante based in Maramag town, Bukidnon province, was ambushed by four unknown assailants on motorcycles about 7pm, according to IFJ Asia-Pacific affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

He sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head, and is in a stable condition in hospital.

Local police are investigating the incident, and are yet to establish whether the attack is related to Makiputin’s work with Radyo Abante.

“The attempt on Makiputin’s life is reprehensible, regardless of the motives of his attackers,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“It is a shameful reminder that killings and attacks on media workers continue to be a very real threat to freedom of expression, human rights and a healthy media landscape in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the Baguio-Benguet chapter of the NUJP reports that officers of the Presidential Security Guard (PSG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) mistreated Northern Dispatch journalist Adela Wayas at the opening of a restaurant in Baguio, in the country’s north, also on November 26.

Presidential guards allegedly shoved Wayas as she attempted to enter the site of a media stunt featuring President Benigno Aquino III to mark the opening of a popular chain restaurant.

Her media credentials were questioned by the PSG and police after she covered a student protest outside the venue. The guards asked Wayas if she was a “companion” of the protesters and prevented her from entering the venue to report on the President’s speech.

ENDS

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