Journalist killed by gunmen in Philippines; second broadcaster shot dead in past 24 hours

Another journalist killed by gunmen in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — A radio broadcaster was gunned down in the Philippines on the way home from his late-night show, the second journalist killed in the country in less than 24 hours, police said Wednesday.

Two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot Jovelito Agustin, 37, a reporter and anchorman of local radio station DZJC Aksyon Radyo in northern Ilocos Norte province, Tuesday night, said police official Sterling Blanco.

He was killed in Laoag city as he and his nephew rode a motorcycle home after an evening broadcast, Blanco said. Agustin died in a hospital before dawn Wednesday, while his nephew was slightly hurt.

Blanco told The Associated Press investigators were trying to determine the motive for the attack. Unidentified gunmen also fired shots at Agustin’s house on May 7, he said.

DZJC reporter Nick Malasig said Agustin told co-workers he had received threats through text messages, and suspected a local politician he criticized on air for alleged corruption could be after him.

Tuesday’s attack happened less than 24 hours after another radio broadcaster was killed. A gunman shot Desidario Camangyan of Sunshine FM radio as he hosted a singing contest in southern Davao Oriental province.

Journalists there said Camangyan often criticized politicians and illegal loggers on his radio program.

The Philippines prides itself on having among the freest media in Southeast Asia, but it also is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists.

In the world’s deadliest single assault on media workers, at least 30 reporters and their staff were among 57 people massacred Nov. 30 in the southern Philippines. The victims were in a vehicle convoy targeted in political violence before the May national election.

Prior to that attack, 75 media workers had been killed in the country since 2001, according to the International Federation of Journalists.