Masbate journalist killed

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects shot dead a Masbate journalist shortly after 12 noon on Independence Day, according to reports reaching Camp General Simeon Ola here yesterday.

Antonio Atabay Castillo, 45, a reporter of the local tabloid Bigwas, was on board his motorcycle and negotiating a rough road in Sitio Sawang Dyutay in Barangay Sawang Uson when he was waylaid, according to Senior Superintendent Theodore Sindac, Masbate provincial police director.

Castillo was rushed to the hospital but died shortly due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Police investigators theorized that the killing could be politically motivated, considering that the victim was criticizing the politicians in the area.

The killing of Castillo brings to six the number of media practitioners killed in Bicol after broadcaster Ronaldo Julian was shot dead on his way home last August 15, 2008.

The family of Julian said the killing was politically motivated.

Other local media practitioners killed were Ruel Endrinal of dwRL, Jun Villanueva of dzGB, Dyunyor Joe of dzRC and another broadcaster from Masbate.

Attack on press freedom

Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations agency tasked with upholding press freedom deplored yesterday the killing of a Filipino journalist shot in the crossfire between police and a suspected criminal gang last June 3.

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura lamented the death of Jojo Trajano, who was killed while covering the raid in Taytay town for the local tabloid Remate.

“Mr. Trajano died in the line of duty, working to satisfy people’s need and right to be informed,” Matsuura said in a statement.

“No effort must be spared to ensure the safety of media workers and provide them with training to help them optimize their security while facing the dangers of their profession,” he added.

In March, Matsuura condemned the killing of a Filipino radio journalist who was shot dead by two masked gunmen in Mindanao.

Ernesto Rollin, 40, who hosted a popular local radio news program, was shot at close-range on his way home.   — With Pia Lee Brago, Celso Amo