Gov't vows to solve media killings

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government today condemned the killing of a radio broadcaster in the western province of Mindoro and vowed to expedite the resolution of media killing cases.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Philippine National Police has been directed to "exert all efforts" to arrest the killers of DWIM broadcaster Nico Baculo, Sr. who was shot dead in Calapan City, Mindoro province.

"The government would like to work closely with the National Press Club and other organizations through the operation of Administrative Order no. 35 to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of suspects in media killings," Coloma said in a press briefing in Malacanang, the presidential palace.

The order called for the creation of an inter-agency committee which was tasked to focus on extra legal killings, enforced disappearances, and other grave violations of the right to life, liberty and security of persons. It was issued by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in 2012.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said Baculo is the 25th journalist killed in the Philippines since Aquino assumed the presidency in 2010 and the 143rd since 1986.