(UPDATE) Gov't condemns killing of journalist

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government condemned today the killing of a radio commentator in Bukidnon and vowed to go after the perpetrators.

According to Presidential Communications Operation Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now conducting hot pursuit operations against the suspected assailants who gunned down Joas Dignos, a broadcaster of station dxGT, in Valencia City on Friday night while riding in tandem along the national highway.

"Police authorities are under instructions to exert utmost efforts in bringing the assailants to the bar of justice," he said in an interview over a state-run radio station.

Coloma reiterated the government's commitment to solve the killings of journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners through the combined efforts of all concerned government agencies.

The PNP is strengthening its investigative arms, while the Department of Justice (DOJ) is beefing up its battery of prosecutors assigned to build and file cases, as well as closely monitor the trial of accused persons, he said.

"We are determined to end the culture of impunity that has brought about these media killings and we call on the citizens to support our efforts," he said.

Dignos was the 19th journalist killed under the Aquino administration, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.