Group calls for deeper probe on Zamboanga broadcaster’s slay

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – A press freedom watchdog has urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the killing of radio broadcaster Maria Vilma Rodriguez in Zamboanga City.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the incident showed that murderers of journalists in the Philippines have remained undeterred.

Rodriguez, 56, who worked for eMedia Production Network based in Zamboanga City, was allegedly shot dead by her 33-year-old nephew.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting that occurred in a store across Rodriguez’s home in Barangay Tumbaga on Tuesday night.

Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s Southeast Asia representative, said heinous crimes against the press would continue unless the administration of President Marcos moves to put an end to impunity.

The Office of the President has condemned the killing and called for a “swift and impartial probe” on the incident.

The Philippine National Police said a land dispute was the motive for the killing.

A recent CPJ Impunity Index report showed the Philippines ranked eighth among countries where killers of journalists are most likely to go free.