List of journalists killed in the Philippines

This is a list of journalists killed in the Philippines, sorted by date of death.

Background

See also: Mass media in the Philippines#Freedom of the press

Statistics

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had said that the Philippines is one of the world's deadliest country for journalists, adding that violence against them continued even with the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in 2016. In its press freedom index for 2022, the country, out of 180 evaluated by RSF, ranks 147th. Prior to that, the 2009 Ampatuan massacre caused the country to be ranked 3rd in the Global Impunity Index by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in 2009, 2011–2014, the country's worst. In 2018, the country was given a special citation as one of those with an improved ranking. Likewise, the country was reported by the RSF as one of the five deadliest countries for journalists in the world from mid-2010s until being delisted in 2018. One of the causes is the PTFoMS' immediate action on various cases of killings and threats against the press.

Based on the data by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), 197 media workers have been killed since 1986, with all deaths included were in relation to their job. The highest number was under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with 103; including 32 of those murdered in Maguindanao in what was called the world's worst single attack on journalists, which made the year 2009 the deadliest for them.

Meanwhile, other groups also document such. A data from the CPJ shows 156 killed since 1992; UNESCO reported 115 since 1996, with majority of them having publicized responses from Member States to Director General's request for information on judicial follow-up. Both includes the most recent, the death of Percy Lapid in October 2022.

Journalists and media workers killed

Presidency	Number
	NUJP	CMFR, PCIJ	Bulatlat (PMPF, et al.)
Marcos Sr.	n/a	n/a	32 (since 1972)
C. Aquino	17	21	34
Ramos	15	11	19
Estrada	5	6	5
Arroyo	103	80	14 (until 2003)
B. Aquino III	32	31	—
Duterte	23	—	—
Marcos Jr.	2	—	—
NOTES: Figure varies. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR): tallies since C. Aquino administration began in 1986. A 2013 report from Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) cited data from CMFR. Philippine Movement for Press Freedom (PMPF): tally since Pres. Marcos Sr. declared martial law in 1972. Until 1999, 87 journalists were reportedly slain. PMPF, defunct by mid-2000s, was a media watchdog which monitored press freedom violations especially in the 1980s; also active during the administrations of C. Aquino and Ramos. Reports from Bulatlat in 2003 cited figures compiled by PMPF and by the Media for Peace through the CMFR and NUJP. However, their tally differs from CMFR alone, for instance, the case of Nelson Nadura was counted by Bulatlat as 72nd, by CMFR as 43rd, both since 1986. Through a published letter in the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2014, CMFR explained that in researching each case, they exclude those found to be non-work-related, making its count lower than that of NUJP.

Most deaths, according to NUJP, were radio personalities, especially blocktime commentators, many affiliated to local politicians, as suggested by a research from CPJ. Most incidents occurred in Mindanao, according to PTFoMS.

Various data show similarities seen in most of the killings. Incidents usually occurred in the provinces, wherein victims working there as journalists exposed wrongdoings in their locality. On the other hand, suspects, unknown and presumably hired killers, were hardly caught; very often they are motorcycle-riding assailants.

Both CMFR and the Philippine National Police reported in 2005 that of the journalists slain in the line or duty, seven were killed in crossfire: five during encounter with or being killed by the New People's Army (including two in an ambush in 1986); two during coup attempt especially in 1989 perpetrated by RAM–SFP–YOU.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) has recorded, by April 2015, ten of those "killed in the line of duty since 1986" are women, four of them in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case. Excluding more than a hundred arrested in connection with the 2009 murders, four alleged gunmen in two of the six cases were arrested, one of them has been released.

Data show few out of the cases of media killings since 1986 People Power Revolution having developments. Combined data from CMFR (Nov. 2014) and PTFoMS (Jan. 2020) show at least 53 of the cases resulted in convictions; CMFR reported, by Apr. 2016, six in acquittals. Meanwhile, CMFR recorded, by 2011, 54% of the monitored cases considered "cold or dead" where police have been unable to identify and arrest any suspect. Furthermore, both the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ; in a February 2015 report) and CMFR stated that none of masterminds has been prosecuted and convicted.

PTFoMS, created through Administrative Order No. 1 issued by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in October 2016, has been acting on the later cases; also, it has been gathering all data from various sources to map prior cases in the country and to exercise investigative powers on them; the results (shown at the table) until the 2019 verdict on the Ampatuan massacre case are recorded.

Cases recorded by PTFoMS
(since 1986, as of Jan. 2020)

Description			No.
Killing (180)	Work-related (22)	Under investigation (including those cases with unidentified suspects, unavailable witnesses or evidence)	5
		Ongoing trial	17
	Not-work related		56
	Closed cases (102)	Reached conviction (including the Ampatuan massacre case)	49
		Deemed prescribed and with unavailable records	26
		Suspects died	8
		Victim's family is no longer interested to file a complaint or pursue the case	8
		Reached acquittal	5
		Dismissed	6
Not killing (64)	Threats		58
	Survivors of physical attacks with the intention to kill		6
Cases involving journalists and media workers			244
Source: Presidential Task Force on Media Security

For those cases prior to 1986, various sources document such. According to the National Press Club (NPC), about 35 journalists were killed during the Marcos administration. NPC, as well as the military and a journalists' group in Manila, both reported more cases from mid-1984 to mid-1985, more than twice than the previous decade. Either military personnel or paramilitary units were the perpetrators in several cases. Few of these were said to be solved, few suspects were arrested, and at least a conviction was reported.

In 2006, Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created Task Force Usig following increase of murders of journalists and activists. While the supervisory body reportedly accomplished police reform and increased coordination, among others, it was criticized by media activists for failure to provide its logistics, as well as being toothless; as working from Camp Crame, relies on local police investigators vulnerable to political pressure.

"Media killings" defined

The term has various definitions:

• NUJP considers all media killings as work-related, assuming as such those cases that are uncertain if work-related or whose motives are unknown, unless there is proof otherwise.
• CMFR defines media killings "as the murder of journalists and media workers", anyone who works regularly in certain media and its aspects regardless of work quality or status, but with clarification on categorizing as work-related the cases of targeted killings due to their reports. The case is classified as "in the line of duty" regardless of reported certain abuses in the practice being provoked the killing. Meanwhile, while CMFR acknowledges a case that maybe not work-related, it finds any evidence to indicate such motives until it is verified, delisting the case.
• For TF Usig, a journalist's murder must be "work-related" to be considered a media killing.
• PTFoMS initially presumes all reported killings of media personnel as work-related and takes initiative in the investigation as a matter of protocol.

In the case of 32 journalists slain in 2009 in Maguindanao, they are said killed in the line of duty, thus recorded by both CMFR and NUJP. This is contrary to what was said by the TF Usig that the incident is considered to be election-related; they were not the target of the killers and are considered "collateral damage". Moreover, media activists had been concerned with the task force's count beginning from 2001 as they recorded only a few percent of those in the tally of CMFR and NUJP.

Pre-1980s

• Antonio Abad Tormis, Republic News editor and columnist, was shot on July 3, 1961, in front of the Masonic Temple building in Cebu City. Felipe Pareja, city treasurer at that time, had been the subject of Tormis' commentaries on graft. Pareja, the mastermind, and the gunman, Cesario Orongan, were convicted and imprisoned. This is the only such case in Cebu considered work-related.
• Celso Tan, DYRL commentator, was shot dead in May 1967 in his home in Bacolod City. He had been exposing in his program a criminal syndicate, which was later believed to be behind the killing. This is the first such killing in the city and the Negros Occidental area.
• Ermin Garcia Sr. of Sunday Punch newspaper in Dagupan City was shot dead sometime in late 1960s or early 1970s because of his fight against criminality.

1980s

Pre-1986

• Demosthenes "Demy" Dingcong, Lanao provincial correspondent of Bulletin Today, was shot by an unidentified gunman in his house in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte on December 5, 1980. He had wrote exposés about anomalies in the local government activities, including that on the missing fund intended for the students of Mindanao State University; also on military abuses, and the situation of the political prisoners in the province. He had already received threats from local officials.
• Geoffrey Siao, radio commentator and writer of the Philippine Post in Iligan City, was murdered on March 2, 1984.
• Atty. Florante "Boy" de Castro, lawyer and news commentator worked at DXCP, who had reported suspicious local government activities in South Cotabato, was gunned down on March 9, 1984, inside his house in General Santos City.
• Vicente (Vic) Villordon, DYLA anchor, a critic of both government and communism, was shot by two gunmen on December 28, 1984, outside the station in Cebu City. Case has been unsolved. In a 2006 report by The Philippine Star, a former communist rebel claimed Villordon and Leo Enriquez III (killed in 1987), his former colleagues in the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army (CPP–NPA), were killed by their comrades.
• Charles (or Charlie) Aberilla, DXWG (Iligan City) commentator, on April 29, 1985, was killed by three armed men who had entered the announcer's booth while on-air.
• Nabokodonosor "Nabing" Velez, 47, DYLA anchor-commentator in Cebu, was attacked by six gunmen on June 1, 1985, while watching a beauty contest. Case had been unsolved.
• Joselito Paloma, provincial journalist and publisher in Surigao, was fatally shot in his car on August 19, 1985.
• Eddie Suede, died 1985.
• Edgar Nagar of DXDC, Davao City.
• Gorge Batoctoy of defunct National Media Production Center, Davao City.
• Alexander Orcullo, worked for a newspaper in Davao, was shot down.
• Noe Alejandrino of Bulacan, one of the killed journalists, is claimed by the military as a Communist rebel leader who engaged soldiers in a firefight.

1986

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Pete Mabazza	Local correspondent for Manila Bulletin	Attack: Apr. 24 Gattaran, Cagayan Deaths: Mabazza died same day; Vicoy died Apr 25 in Tuguegarao, same province	A convoy of army soldiers and journalists was ambushed by the NPA; also killed were eight soldiers. Mabazza and Vicoy, 45, who died later in a hospital, were the first journalists killed while covering the communist insurgency.	NUJP CMFR
Wilfredo Vicoy	Veteran combat photographer for United Press International and (at the time of death) Reuters			NUJP CMFR

1987

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Virgilio Pacala	Manila Hotline magazine	Mar. 24 San Pablo City, Laguna	Fatally shot. Motive remains unclear.	CMFR
Dionisio Perpetuo Joaquin	Olongapo News	Apr. 12 Subic, Zambales or Olongapo City	Nicomedes Fabro, Francisco Dimalanta and Amado Alcala were convicted for the killing.	NUJP CMFR
Manuel Sanchez	Television cameraman	June 9	Had hitched a ride with Bernabe Buscayno after the latter's television appearance; killed when gunmen ambushed the leftist politician.
Narciso Balani	All were from DXRA of Rizal Memorial Colleges (Davao City): Palo: news commentator Maglalang: assistant Zagado: reporter; commentator Balani: technician-on-board	Aug. 27 Davao City	Along with five civilian guests, died on the spot when NPA gunmen attacked the radio station, then known for its anti-communist broadcasts, in what would be the worst crime against the press in the city. Fernando "Ferdie" Lintuan survived the attack but would be assassinated in 2007.	NUJP CMFR
Cesar Maglalang				CMFR
Leo Palo				NUJP CMFR
Rogie Zagado				NUJP CMFR
Ed Palomares		Aug 27
Robert Macdonald	New Zealander freelance photographer working for Pacific Defense Reports	Aug 28	Shot while covering a coup attempt.
Martin Castor	Pilipino Ngayon (Manila) reporter; photographer	Aug. 28 Manila	Shot during a coup attempt when members of a mutinous army faction fired on his press van.	NUJP CMFR
Ramon Noblejas	DYVL (Tacloban City) production manager; reporter	Oct. 4 Tacloban City	Shot. Had denounced local corruption and human rights violations. Case remains unsolved.	NUJP CMFR
Leo Enriquez III	People's Journal correspondent; news reporter also worked in Kyodo News Service and Washington Times Local anti-communist activist	Oct. 10 Mandaue City	Shot dead near his house. Case has been unsolved. CPP–NPA had been reported as the perpetrators; further claimed by a former communist rebel, former colleagues of Enriquez and Vic Villordon (killed in 1984), in a 2006 report by the The Philippine Star.	CMFR

1988

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Noel Miranda	Mindanao Scanner as publisher, editor, owner	Mar. 29 Tagum, Davao del Norte		NUJP CMFR
Jose Naperos		Pampanga
Ricardo Ribano	People's Journal correspondent	June 22	Ribano, 26, was killed allegedly by member of anti-communist group Alsa Masa in an argument. Suspect later released on bail.
Oscar Apolinario	Reporter for the weekly San Francisco Times	July 23 Surigao City, Surigao del Norte	Reportedly killed at his home by a gunman identified as a sergeant. Motive is unknown.
Ruben Manrique	Luzon Tribune (Bataan) publisher-editor	Aug. 12 Balanga, Bataan	Shot. His murder is believed related to his reports on local illegal gambling. Case dismissed at the trial court.	NUJP CMFR
Josef Aldeguer Nava	Editor & publisher of Visayan Life Today (Iloilo); also worked in DYRP	Oct. 30 Iloilo City	Shot dead by unidentified assailant. Known for his exposés of corruption and human rights abuses by the military. No leads reported.	NUJP CMFR
Noli Resurreccion	Laguna correspondent for Metro Manila-based Balita and DZMM	Nov 17	Killed. A local businessman was reportedly identified as suspect and later charged, but has eluded arrest by Feb. 1990. The killing is believed connected to his exposé of local illegal gambling.

1989

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Mandangan Abedin		Mar 17
Severino Arcones	DYFM Bombo Radyo (Iloilo City) manager, commentator, and reporter Arcones was the first husband of Marlene Garcia–Esperat, who would be murdered in 2005.	Oct. 17 Iloilo City	Murdered in front of his house. Responsibility for the murder was unclear; though Arcones, an anti-communist, was generally believed to be killed by NPA because of his stance. He had also criticized local politicians in Iloilo province.	NUJP CMFR
Cesario de Vera		Nov. 23 Biñan, Laguna
Eddie Telan	Manila-based; Newscaster as publisher, editor; also worked in radio	Dec. 1 Quezon City		NUJP CMFR

1990s

1990

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Benito Mercado		Jan. 4 Iligan City
Enrique Lingan	The Luzon Times, The Midway Star	Feb. 4 Lucena City		CMFR
Joseph "Joe" Kreuger	Mindoro Weekly Reporter	Feb. 6 Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro		CMFR
Enrique Ger		Feb. 7 Oriental Mindoro
Reynaldo Catindig Sr.	Northern Sierra Madre Express (Isabela) as publisher, editor	May 15 Tumauini, Isabela		NUJP CMFR
Jean Ladringan	Publisher-editor of the weekly Southern Star (General Santos City)	July 8 General Santos City	Along with her husband, shot dead by unidentified men in what was said a robbery case. An exposé published by Ladringan implicating top Muslim officials at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in graft and corruption, which led to their dismissal, was seen as a possible motive.	NUJP CMFR
Mahaidin Abdullah	Radio show host in Cotabato City	July 9 Cotabato City	Shot dead by unknown gunmen
Francisco (Frank) Mararac	Reporter and commentator in DWDW; staffer (Sunday Punch newspaper, Dagupan City)	July 10 Lingayen, Pangasinan	With his son, shot dead by unknown gunmen.
Jaime Ramoros		Dec. 25 Iligan City

1991

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Nesino Paulin Toling	Publisher-editor (and owner) of Panguil Bay Monitor (Ozamiz City)	Apr. 14 Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental	Shot and killed. Toling had been exposing organized crime activities. Two suspects were arrested for the murder. Gerry Sarabia was convicted for the killing and had to serve a term of 17–20 years at the San Ramon Penal Colony.	NUJP CMFR
Candido Basilisco	Philippine Punch editor (Cebu)	May 1 or 5 Cebu City	His support to the workers in a local labor dispute was linked to the killing. Several arrests were made in connection with the murder; but the case was unsolved by year-end.
Nicasio (Nick) Enciso	Reporter and columnist for dailies, Manila Bulletin and its sister publication Tempo President of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Barangay and of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines	May 26 Tagaytay City, Cavite	Enciso, 67, was killed in an attack by two armed soldiers who had barged into his house, reportedly due to a land dispute.

1992

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Danilo Vergara	Philippine Post publisher-editor	July 1 Iligan City		NUJP CMFR CPJ
Abdulajid/Ladjid "Jade" Ladja	Prensa Zamboanga reporter	July Zamboanga City		NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rev. Greg Hapalla	DXAS commentator (Zamboanga City) Preacher	Sept. 21 Zamboanga City		NUJP CMFR CPJ
Anwar Utto	DXMS reporter in Cotabato City	July 28
Gloria Martin	DXXX correspondent and commentator based in Isabela, Basilan	Dec. 2 Isabela, Basilan	Died on the spot as being shot by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving on her way home. She had received death threats as she was criticizing the alleged failure of the government to stop the kidnappings in the municipality.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

1993

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Romeo Andrada Legaspi	Voice of Zambales publisher-columnist	Disappearance and reported death: Jan. 11 Olongapo City	Abducted after a conflict with law enforcement intelligence in the city. He had not been seen since then.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Alfredo M. Noblefranca	Davao Observer columnist	Apr 3	Killed
Elpidio Monteclaro	DZNC commentator in Isabela	June 2 or 3	Killed
Ding Sade	Reporters for Cotabato News (Cotabato Ngayon in another source.)	Nov. 22 Cotabato City	Shot dead. No motive had been established.	NUJP CPJ
Rosauro Lao				NUJP CPJ

1995

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Refs.
Ambrosio Iyas	DYLA blocktimer	Apr. 14 Lapu-Lapu City	Iyas, 63, was shot at his home. He was said to be the campaign manager of an incumbent city vice mayor contesting a mayor's reelection bid in the elections. Case had been unsolved.
Geronimo "Boy" Creer	Broadcaster once wrote a sports column for The Freeman Lawyer	May 11 Cebu City	With his lover, were stabbed dead near a street corner. The charge against Jecknel Inso, who had spent five years in jail as a suspect, was dismissed upon prosecution's failure to present witnesses. Case had been unsolved.

1996

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Atty. Ferdinand Reyes	Editor (and publisher) of the weekly Press Freedom (Dipolog City) Human rights lawyer	Feb. 12 Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte	Murdered by a lone gunman. A soldier, contracted by military officials, was suspected as he had been critical to the army on alleged abuses of their power.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Jose Tiongson	Provincial journalist	Mar. 31 Southern Philippines	Killed by the driver of a passenger jeep, who was at large by mid-1996 as his motives were unclear.
Alberto Berbon	DZMM (Metro Manila) deskman	Dec. 15 Imus, Cavite	Jose Espinelli, reportedly the killer, was convicted.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

1997

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Evelyn Joy Militante	GMA Channel 2 (Legazpi City)	August Legazpi City, Albay		NUJP
Daniel (Danny) Hernandez	News editor and columnist at People's Journal Tonight (Metro Manila)	June 3 Quezon City	Shot dead while riding a taxi. Known for being a critic of crimes and corruption.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Regalado Mabazza	Polaris Cable Network (Cauayan, Isabela) as announcer	Dec. 17 Cauayan, Isabela		NUJP CMFR

1998

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Atty. Odilon Mallari	DXCP (General Santos City) reporter (and commentator) Lawyer	Feb. 15 General Santos City	Shot and killed. Elias Bravo and Lucio Beating, suspected NPA Sparrow hitmen, were convicted for the killing. Case archived for other suspects.	NUJP CMFR
Rey Bancairin Other records: Reynaldo Bancairin	DXLL (Zamboanga City) commentator	Mar. 29 Zamboanga City	Gunned down while broadcasting in the radio booth. Abdulwarid Ada was accused. Another journalist from the same station, Candelario Cayona, would be murdered in 2001; Ada would be also involved.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nelson Catipay	DXMY (Cotabato City) correspondent	Apr. 16 Sultan Kudarat	Shot and killed	NUJP CPJ
Danny Llasos	Volunteer-reporter for Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)–DYHB Radyo Agong (Bacolod City)	May 13 Bacolod City	Shot dead in a betting station by unidentified motorcycle-riding men. This was said not work-related, killers have not been arrested. In 2004, the city's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reopened its investigation on the case.
Dominador "Dom" Bentulan	DXGS (General Santos City)	Oct. 30 General Santos City or Digos City, Davao del Sur		NUJP CMFR

1999

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Bienvenido Dasal	DXKR Radyo Agong	Jan. 21 Koronadal, South Cotabato		CMFR
Frank Palma	DYWB Bombo Radyo (Bacolod City) senior reporter Pastor	Apr. 25 Bacolod City	Murdered near his home. Gerardo Tocana, said to be the killer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing in one of the first convictions among other cases over almost the past two decades (post-1986 revolution).	NUJP CMFR

Unknown date

• In early 1990s, Pedro "Pete" Dahan, DXUM block-timer announcer, was shot dead in Davao City. The killing was linked to various angles more than being a journalist.

2000s

2000

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
William Yap Yu	Publisher of local Pagadian City Star	May Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	Reportedly shot dead. None has been arrested despite the assassin being described by witnesses. Incident is unresolved by 2011.
Vincent Rodriguez	DZMM correspondent (Pampanga-based)	May 23 Guagua, Pampanga	Murdered in an assignment covering the visit of the son of Pres. Estrada. On June 4, 2001, three accused in the killing, all Communist rebels of Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan, a dissident group of the NPA, were arrested in the same province. Case has filed but no update yet.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Olimpio Jalapit Jr.	RMN–DXPR as commentator	Nov. 17 Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	Murdered. By end of 2001, a former military officer accused of the killing had not been apprehended; RSF was uncertain if the case is work-related.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2001

RSF reported two work-related cases: that of Ureta and Cayona. On the other hand, RSF said that by year-end, the killings of two other journalists could not be established if work-related.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Rolando Ureta	Program director (and commentator) for RMN–DYKR Kalibo, Aklan Had worked for IBC–DYIG and for Panay News; former member of municipal council	Jan. 3 Lezo, Aklan	Killed by gunmen on motorcycles while on his way home from his evening broadcast. Ureta, had tackled issues on illegal gambling and illegal drugs in Aklan, was reported to had received death threats within five months due to his commentaries. Murder charge against four suspects was filed in 2004 but was dismissed by the provincial prosecutor's office, rejecting the lone witness' testimony. In 2007, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reversed the dismissal of two of the suspects, who then filed a motion for reconsideration asking for the retention of the case's dismissal. In 2008, the Supreme Court (SC) granted a petition by the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) and the NUJP to transfer the venue of the cases of Ureta and of Herson Hinolan from Aklan to Cebu; both cases were raffled to the Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC). Accomplice convicted of homicide; gunman, being dead, cleared.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Mohammad Yusop Other records: Muhammad Yusop; Mohammad Yusoph	Commentator of DXID of the Islamic Radio Broadcasting network (Pagadian City)	Feb. 24 Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	While on his way home on his motorcycle, was reportedly shot and killed by two unidentified individuals. The police had no leads in the case. He had hosted a religious program and was not known to have broadcast any controversial reports. The station manager said that he was not aware of any threats against Yusop. Case underwent investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Candelario "Jhun" Cayona Jr.	Presenter on DXLL Radyo Ukay (UMBN; Zamboanga City) and print journalist	May 30 Zamboanga City	Murdered by two unidentified gunmen on the way to the radio's offices. By that time, he was investigating drug trafficking in the region. He had received death threats as he carried out several interviews with leaders of the rebel group Abu Sayyaf especially during the Jolo hostage crisis, which angered the authorities, especially the army. On May 28, 2002, the main suspect, hired killer Abduwarid Adda, was arrested in same city. Adda was said to be involved in the 1998 murder of another journalist from the same station, Reynaldo Bancayrin. Case dismissed at the trial court.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Joy Mortel	Mindoro Guardian as reporter	May 31 Occidental Mindoro	Shot and killed by two armed people who had entered her home. Being an administrator of agricultural cooperatives, she was accused of corruption and became the target by Communist rebels. Although the motive for her murder remains unclear, police did not exclude the possibility that this was work-related.	NUJP CPJ
Dennis Ramos	Boses tabloid	Aug. 24 Bacoor, Cavite	Case dismissed at the trial court	CMFR

2002

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Benjaline "Beng" Hernandez	Vice president of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines for Mindanao and editor of Ateneo de Davao student newspaper Atenews Researcher for the human rights organization Karapatan in Davao City	Apr. 5 Arakan, Cotabato	Hernandez, 22, and her three companions, were shot reportedly by a group of Army troopers and paramilitary men while conducting a research in the area for the organization and for local newspapers. In August, a complaint was submitted by her family; after more than a year, none of the perpetrators had been held.	NUJP
Edgar Damalerio	Pagadian City-based; commentator and reporter at RPN–DXKP, managing director and editor of local The Zamboanga Scribe, editor (and correspondent) of Mindanao Gold Star; also worked in RPN-9	May 13 Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	An award-winning journalist, Damalerio, 32 or 33, was dead on arrival as he was fatally shot by one of two unidentified motorcycle-riding men that had stopped their open vehicle while about to return to his home from a press conference, along with two friends. He had criticized local politicians and city police, even its chief, on corruption and the failure to crack down on illegal drugs and criminal activities. He had received death threats. Even National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) started their own investigation, series of cover-ups by the local police were reported. Two of three witnesses of the killing were later killed. After a trial in 2005 in Cebu, in November, police officer Guillermo Wapile, an alleged hired killer identified as gunman by victim's companions, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. Wapile had refused to name his accomplices and the instigators of the murder. One of two witnesses killed was Damalerio's fellow journalist, Edgar Amoro, who had identified the former's gunman, in 2005.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Sonny Alcantara	San Pablo City-based; presenter of a political program on private Celestron Cable TV and managing editor (and publisher) of the local biweekly magazine Kokus; also radio broadcaster	Aug. 22 San Pablo City, Laguna	Fatally shot by an unknown man as he rode from home. He had regularly criticized the municipal opposition and the former mayor, a businessman, which was said to had been behind the murder. He had received threats weeks prior to the killing. A witness later withdrew his evidence after being threatened. By year-end, the NBI had yet to finish the investigation. Cold case; murder suspects later killed.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2003

CPJ reported six work-related murders; all had been unsolved and none had been charged.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
John Belen Villanueva Jr.	Had cultural programs at DZGB (Legazpi City, Albay)	Apr. 28 Camalig, Albay	Gunned down. By 2005, those involved and the reason are still unknown.	NUJP CMFR
Apolinario "Polly" Pobeda	DWTI-am (Lucena) commentator	May 17 Lucena City	Pobeda, 35, was declared dead on arrival when was shot by two unidentified gunmen on motorcycles who had stopped him while riding his motorcycle to work. He often criticized corrupt local officials, especially the city mayor whom he had accused of involvement in the local illegal drug trade; he had received repeated numerous anonymous death threats. By early 2005, three suspects were arrested, all linked to mayor's family, including brothers identified as bodyguards of the mayor's son, also a city councilor; a third said shot and killed Pobeda; those behind the murder is still unidentified. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Bonifacio Gregorio	Reporter and columnist of the weekly Dyaryo Banat (Tarlac) Former village chief in La Paz town	July 8 La Paz, Tarlac	Later pronounced dead on arrival when was shot by an unidentified gunman in front of his house. Gregorio wrote many articles critical to municipal officials including the mayor. No arrests had been made. Widow reportedly no longer pursuing case.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Noel Villarante	Blocktimer worked in DZJV and in local periodical Laguna Score	Aug. 19 Santa Cruz, Laguna	Fatally shot by a gunman in front of his house. Villarante was believed killed because of his reports on drug trafficking, illegal gambling and local government corruption; other possible angle was his activity as a police informer. Concerns were expressed on the hesitant investigation as high-profile individuals are said to be involved. A suspect, a civilian police agent arrested few days after the killing, was released on bail in Dec. 2004 as the investigation was shelved for lack of evidence. The former town police chief and three other policemen then shared a cash reward for the arrest of the presumed killer. For sometime, police ransacked his house, confiscating articles he had written. Case dismissed at the trial court.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rico Ramirez	Commentator at DXSF (Butuan City); also reporter and cameraman	Aug. 20 San Francisco, Agusan del Sur	Ramirez, 25, was shot on the roadside, but the murder was announced only on Sept. 2. He had engaged in critical reporting on local politicians. The murder was believed because of his investigations into drug trafficking in the region. No progress was made in the police investigation; the motive is unclear. Underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Juan "Jun" Pala Jr.	Program host and commentator on DXGO Aksyon Radyo (Davao City) Former Davao City councilor; known anti-communist activist	Sept. 6 Davao City	Known for his anti-communist commentaries, pronounced dead on arrival when was shot by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen while walking home with a bodyguard and a friend. The motive is unclear. Pala had survived first two attacks, the last was in April. Thereafter, Pala had been airing from his home his show that had exposed corruption among local politicians. None has been apprehended by 2011.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nelson Nadura	DYME commentator (Masbate City) President of the Union of Print and Broadcast Journalists of Masbate; NPA rebel-turned-returnee	Dec. 2 Masbate City, Masbate	While on his motorcycle leaving the station after his daily broadcast, died on the spot as he was shot by two unidentified gunmen. The motive is unclear. Nadura, a blocktimer, had a hard-hitting news program wherein he criticized local officials. The NPA, said to be the suspects, denied their involvement. By 2014, trial ongoing, other suspects at-large.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

Pala, Juan "Jun"

Juan "Jun" Pala worked for DXGO in Davao City. He died on September 6.

Pala survived two earlier attempts on his life on June 14, 2001, and April 29, 2003.

At around 7 p.m. (local time), Pala was walking home with his bodyguard and cousin Roberto Porras and friend Fred Luas when attacked by unknown gunmen on board a motorcycle. They were some 300 metres from his house in Davao Empress Subdivision. The three men were returning from the adjacent Vista Verde Subdivision, where Pala had been visiting a friend. Pala, who sustained nine gunshot wounds to various parts of the body, particularly the chest and arms, was pronounced dead on arrival at San Pedro Hospital. His companions were slightly injured and treated at the same hospital.

Pala's wife, Louise, said her husband aired critical commentaries against various government officials, including Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He had also exposed graft and corruption in the city involving some politicians. After the second attempt on his life, Pala claimed that Mayor Duterte was the most likely culprit.

Duterte declined to comment on Pala's death, saying only that any questions about the incident should be addressed to the police. "Today" also quoted him as saying that he "would be happy to submit to an investigation."

2004

RSF, noticing surge in violence in the election period, reported 2004, when general elections were held, as the deadliest year for the press at that time. That year and 2006 were the deadliest prior to the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, based on NUJP data.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Rowell Endrinal Other records: Ruel Endrinal	Blocktime program host and political commentator on DZRC (Legazpi City) and publisher of Bicol Metro News	Feb. 11 Legazpi City, Albay	Shot by two assailants as was just left his home and walked to work. He was critical of local politicians, especially of an Albay governor. Endrinal had received death threats before, said to be linked to local politicians in the city. By 2005, the contract killer is not yet arrested and those behind the murder is unidentified yet. Conviction reported.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Elpidio "Ely" Binoya Other records: Eliseo "Ely" Binoya	Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC)–Radyo Natin commentator (General Santos City)	June 17 General Santos City	Gunned down by an assassin riding at the back of a motorcycle while riding home from the Prosecutor's office where he had just filed a formal complaint about being assaulted by thugs allegedly employed by the local mayor. He had criticized the mayor and corrupt local police officials. Two suspects, a village chief whom he accused of corruption and believed the mastermind, and a former police intelligence official, either surrendered or were arrested in August. Acquittal reported.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rogelio "Roger" Mariano	Commentator and reporter for DZJC Aksyon Radyo (Laoag City) and Radyo Natin in Ilocos Norte Former commentator for DZVR Bombo Radyo; had chaired a multipurpose cooperative and a group of plant growers	July 31 San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte	Gunned down by assailants while on his motorcycle after his program. Believed to be work-related. Mariano, known critical on government affairs, was about to report a story on alleged scams at a local electric company. Two of the four suspects charged with murder, including a former policeman, were arrested following a witness' testimony. Upon order from the SC in 2006, the court records, as well as suspects, were transferred from Ilocos Norte to Manila before the trial. Acquittal reported.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Arnnel Manalo	Batangas-based; provincial correspondent for DZRH and Bulgar tabloid; columnist and correspondent for provincial newspapers (Dyaryo Veritas and People's Courier)	Aug. 5 Bauan, Batangas	Shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen. A contract killer was detained at the end of the month. The presumed instigator surrendered to the authorities the following month. Case dismissed at both the trial court and Ombudsman; accused gunman later killed.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Jonathan "Jun" Abayon	DXBB RGMA Super Radyo reporter (General Santos City)	Aug 8 or 9 General Santos City	Shot by a former soldier, former bodyguard of a known boxer, following a heated argument; died after being under critical condition. Suspect remains at large by Jan. 2012.	NUJP
Fernando Consignado	Radio Veritas volunteer (Laguna-based)	Aug. 12 Nagcarlan, Laguna	Found dead with a gunshot wound in his home.	NUJP CPJ
Jose Luis Villanueva	Assistant business editor of Today	Sept. 24 Pasay City	Villanueva, 29, was stabbed by one of the three robbers while riding a bus bound for Baclaran; was pronounced dead in a hospital around a hour later. Suspects were arrested later that month.
Christopher Misajon	Ratsada news anchor and news reader at GMA Channel 6 (Iloilo City)	Incident: Sept. 23 Iloilo City Death: Sep 25	Misajon, 28, was said accidentally shot by one of the four robbers who had stopped him, with a companion, in a vacant lot while he was driving. Another suspect was later turned as witness. In a decision issued on Dec. 2012 and promulgated the following month, Iloilo RTC convicted three of the suspects of robbery with homicide and sentenced them to prison terms.
Romeo/Romy Binungcal	Remate, Bulgar; Mt. Samat Forum (Bataan-based)	Sept. 29 Boundary of Balanga City and Pilar, Bataan	Murdered	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Eldy Gabinales (aka Eldy Sablas)	DXJR-fm Real Radio (Tandag)	Oct. 19 Tandag, Surigao del Sur	Murdered	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Gene Boyd Lumawag	Photojournalist (Davao City-based) worked in MindaNews online publication	Nov. 12 Jolo, Sulu	Lumawag, 26, had arrived on the island with a MindaNews editor; shot and killed in the pier as he was heading back to a hotel. There were various theories for the attack (including an Abu Sayyaf initiation rite and possible reprisal for a corruption story the two were pursuing.) A murder complaint was later filed against two Abu Sayyaf members, who are at large. Colleagues believed that the claimed involvement of Abu Sayyaf is difficult to verify. Case archived as suspects later killed.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Herson "Boy" Hinolan	Station manager and program host at DYIN Bombo Radyo (Kalibo)	Attack: Nov. 13 Kalibo, Aklan Death: Nov 15	Shot by a masked man in a local carnival while attempting to run. Murder charges were later filed against Alfredo Arcenio, former mayor of Lezo, Aklan, but were downgraded to homicide in 2005. In 2008, the SC granted a petition by the FFFJ and NUJP to transfer the venue of the cases of Hinolan and of Rolando Ureta from Aklan to Cebu. Arcenio had been imprisoned for eight years prior to his conviction on August 10, 2016, by Cebu City RTC, sentencing to 14 years of imprisonment.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Michael Llorin	Freelance photojournalist in Manila	Nov. 13 Quezon City	Killed in a gas station	NUJP
Allan Dizon	Photographer for dailies The Freeman and its sister periodical, Banat News tabloid (Cebu City)	Nov. 27 Cebu City	Shot dead in a reclamation area by one of two men on a motorcycle as he tried to flee. Businessman Edgar Belandres, Dizon's neighbor and identified as a shooter, was convicted of murder by the RTC on January 19, 2006, despite the prosecution's failure to present a motive; but was freed upon reversal of ruling by the Court of Appeals in March 2010.	NUJP CPJ
Stephen Omaois	Kalinga-based; Guru News Weekly & DZRK	Abduction: Nov. 26 Death: December Tabuk, Kalinga		NUJP CPJ

Lumawag, Gene Boyd

Davao-based photojournalist Gene Boyd Lumawag was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Jolo, Sulu on November 12. Lumawag, 26, was photographing the sunset at the pier in Jolo on the last day of Ramadan when he was killed by a single bullet to the head. Lumawag had traveled to Jolo with his MindaNews editor Carolyn Arguillas on November 10 to work on a video documentary about transparency and local governing practices for the U.S.-based Asia Foundation. Arguillas said they suspected Abu Sayyaf members were responsible for the killing.

2005

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Edgar Amoro	Freelance broadcaster worked as commentator at DXKP (Pagadian City) School teacher	Feb. 2 Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	Amoro, in the 40s, was the second and the last witness in the 2002 murder of his colleague, Edgar Damalerio, to be killed when shot by gunmen, said to be accomplices of Damalerio's killer, in front of a public secondary school where he was teaching, while walking home. Amoro was said to had received a death threat since 2002, shortly after dismissal of a city police chief. On January 26, 2010, a local court sentenced to life imprisonment one of the gunmen, Muhammad Maulana, for the murder; another suspect then at large.	NUJP
Arnulfo Villanueva	Asian Star Express Balita (Naic, Cavite) as columnist	Feb. 28 Naic, Cavite	Shot and killed by para-military agents shortly after he left his house; case reportedly "solved" by the Philippine National Police by mid-2005.	NUJP CPJ
Romeo Sanchez	DZNL (San Fernando City, La Union) as commentator	Mar. 9 Baguio City	Killed by para-military agents inside a flea market.	NUJP
Marlene Garcia–Esperat	Tacurong City-based; columnist for provincial weekly The Midland Review and blocktime program presenter on DXKR President of Tri-Media Association in Soccksargen Region; former employee of the Department of Agriculture–Region 12 (DA–12) Her first husband, Severino Arcones, was murdered in 1989.	Mar. 24 Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat	Fatally shot during a family dinner in her home. She had exposed misconducts in the local government especially in DA–12, even described as "corrupt" its officers, Osmeña Montañer and Estrella Sabay, who would be among the suspected masterminds for the murder; as well as the Fertilizer Fund scam in which then Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her Secretary of Agriculture were implicated. On October 6, 2006, Cebu City RTC convicted three men, including confessed killer Gerry Cabayag, for the murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment; acquitted suspect-turned-state witness, a former military intelligence officer who admitted being the coordinator, for lack of evidence. Meanwhile, despite the witness' testimony and the support of the DOJ, charges against the suspected masterminds were dropped by the Tacurong City RTC, prompting a request to the SC to transfer the case to Cebu. In 2008, murder charges were filed again against the two, and Tacurong City RTC issued warrants of arrest. Case against masterminds reportedly archived.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Klein Cantoneros	DXAA-fm commentator (and program host) (Dipolog City)	May 4 Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte	Shot as just stepped out of the station and was about to go home. On January 29, 2010, Robert Woo was convicted of murder, as an accomplice.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Philip Agustin	Starline Times Recorder (Dingalan, Aurora & Isabela) editor-publisher	May 10 Dingalan, Aurora	Agustin, 54, was shot in his daughter's home. Charges were later filed before the municipal trial court against a hired gun and two others. Meanwhile, a former municipal mayor, the alleged mastermind, has been indicted. In 2006, the SC agreed to transfer the case from Aurora to the Manila RTC, citing safety concerns and the mayor's influence. Murder case against alleged mastermind dismissed, case archived for other suspects.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rolando Morales	RMN–DXMD (South Cotabato) as anchorman	July 3 Polomolok, South Cotabato	Murdered. Case archived.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Ricardo "Ding" Uy	Anchor at DZRS-am (Sorsogon City) Chair of the city chapter of Bayan Muna	Nov. 18 Sorsogon City, Sorsogon	Murdered inside his house. Uy criticized the militarization of the province, letting the military to label him as a "communist supporter and NPA recruiter". Case archived.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Robert Ramos	Katapat, community paper in Laguna, as reporter	November Cabuyao, Laguna	Case archived	NUJP CMFR CPJ
George Benaojan	DYDD Bantay Radyo reporter and commentator (Cebu City)	Dec. 1 Talisay City, Cebu	Shot to death at a market. In October 2007, Roberto Jagdon, a former professional boxer originally charged of murder, was sentenced by RTC to 8–12 years in prison for homicide. Jagdon is believed a hired gun; mastermind remains free. No motive has been established.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2006

Years 2006 and 2004 were the deadliest prior to the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, based on NUJP data.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Rolly Cañete	Freelancer worked in DXPR (Pagadian City), as well as DXPA and DXBZ	Jan. 20 Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	Case dismissed at the trial court	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Graciano Aquino	Central Luzon Forum (Bataan)	Jan. 21 Balanga, Bataan	Killed inside the cockfight arena	NUJP
Orlando Mendoza	Freelancer worked in Tarlac Profile and Tarlac Patrol, both as editor-in-chief	Apr. 2 Tarlac City, Tarlac	Killed while riding from his farm. Case underwent investigation	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Elpidio "Jojo" dela Victoria	DYRF Cebu City anchor Market administrator in Cebu City and project director of the city's Bantay Dagat Commission	Apr. 12 Talisay City, Cebu	Shot while entering his house. Motives considered include his vigilance against illegal fishing. In September of that year, SPO1 Marcial Ocampo was sentenced by the court to a 40 years in jail for murder. Two alleged accomplices and the mastermind have been unidentified.
Nicolas Cervantes	Reportedly a freelance columnist worked in Surigao Daily & Daily Tribune (Surigao)	May 2 Mandaluyong	Killed in front of his residence	NUJP
Albert Orsolino	Saksi Ngayon tabloid (Metro Manila) as reporter	May 16 Boundary of the cities of Caloocan and Malabon	Killed while driving along the C4 Road. On June 26, 2013, Rommel Lirazan was convicted of murder by the Caloocan City RTC.	NUJP
Fernando "Dong" Batul	Commentator and program host at DYPR (Palawan Broadcasting Corporation; Puerto Princesa); also worked in DZRH	May 22 Puerto Princesa City	A policeman, had criticized by the victim for alleged gun display and arrested later and identified as one of the two gunmen, underwent trial at Puerto Princesa City. The death had an effect even on the journalists in the Palawan, especially when DYPR clashed with its competitor, politician-run DYER, over the issue. Acquittal reported.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
George Vigo	Both Kidapawan City-based; couple were part-time journalists, program hosts at Church-run DXND (Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation). Also: Mr. Vigo: contributor for the Union of Catholic Asian News Mrs. Vigo: columnist Couple were founders of a local periodical; both also peace advocates	June 19 Kidapawan City, Cotabato	George, 36, and Maricel, 39, were gunned down by two or three motorcycle-riding assassins while on their way home from the city's public market. They had later reported and commented on local government issues. A case was filed against Juniver Madangguit, an alleged member of the Sparrow Unit of the New People's Army (NPA) identified as a suspect along with three unknown individuals, which was later dismissed in late 2006 for lack of evidence. Human rights advocates saw evidences of whitewash as the authorities linked NPA guerillas to the killing. When a new case was to be filed, this was become difficult as the task force investigating the case had been deactivated and with the suspicious death of Madangguit in 2007 in Makilala town. On the other hand, the NBI reportedly stated that the gunmen were military operatives and that a politician might be the mastermind. Case underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Maricel (Macel) Alave–Vigo				NUJP CMFR CPJ
Armando "Rachman" Pace	Blocktimer and commentator at DXDS Radyo Ukay (Digos City)	July 18 Digos City, Davao del Sur	Shot dead by two motorcycle-riding assailants on his way home from work. He had been facing libel lawsuits filed by politicians. On April 29, 2009, the gunman, identified as Joy Anticamara, was convicted for the murder and sentenced to 17 years in prison.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Ralph Ruñez	RPN-9 (Metro Manila) as cameraman	July 28 Metro Manila		NUJP
Prudencio "Dick" Melendrez	Tanod tabloid (Metro Manila); also in Saksi Ngayon as photographer	July 31 Malabon City	Killed by gunmen near his house while on his way to work.	NUJP
Ponciano Grande	Former reporter for The Recorder and The Nueva Ecija Times (Nueva Ecija-based) and former assistant information writer for DWNE; also worked in DWJJ	Dec. 7 Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija	Killed by two motorcycle-riding men in his farm. Robbery was considered as the motive.	NUJP CPJ
Andres "Andy" Acosta	Reporter for DZJC Aksyon Radyo (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte) and the monthly Northern Light	Dec. 20 Batac, Ilocos Norte	Acosta, 46, was stabbed to death by assailants while on his way home from Laoag City. Revenge is said to be the motive.	NUJP CPJ

2007

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Hernani Pastolero Sr.	Associate publisher of a local weekly Lightning Courier (Cotabato City) Started in the broadcast industry; former editor-in-chief of another, then-defunct local Mindanao Newscast	Feb. 19 Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan	Shot dead by a lone assailant outside his house. The motive is yet to be established as none has been willing to give a statement on the incident.	NUJP CPJ
Carmelo "Mark" Palacios	Police reporter for the government-run DZRB Radyo ng Bayan (Nueva Ecija-based) Former head of an anti-crime group based in Nueva Ecija	Apr. 18 Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija	Palacios, 41, was last seen near police headquarters in Cabanatuan City a day before was found dead in a village. He sustained various wounds. Palacios was said to had "earned the ire" of certain people involved in crimes and corruption that he had reported. Cold case.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Dodie Nuñez	Katapat (Cavite)	May 21		NUJP
Vicente Sumalpong	Reporter worked at Radyo ng Bayan Tawi-Tawi, also production supervisor	June 25 Bongao, Tawi-Tawi	Shot near his house. Despite the case transferred to NBI, incident is unresolved by 2011.	NUJP
Fernando "Batman" Lintuan	DXGO Aksyon Radyo (Manila Broadcasting Company) blocktimer and SunStar columnist	Dec. 24 Davao City	Survivor of the 1987 DXRA attack, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assassins as had just left his radio program. His companions in a car he drove, two radiomen, left unhurt. In April 2009, a man charged of murder, many believed as a fall guy, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

Lintuan, Ferdie

On December 24 at 9:40 a.m., Ferdie "Batman" Lintuan, after finishing his morning show, left DXGO, an AM station owned by the Manila Broadcasting Company, driving his Volkswagen with two colleagues when two men on board a motorcycle, wearing helmets with visors that hid their faces, attacked them. Lintuan, 51, was hit in his head and died while companions Louie Ceniza and Edgar Banzon were unhurt. Lintuan had been on the air at DXGO for about three months, leasing airtime under a practice known as "block-timing". The veteran journalist also wrote for Sunstar Daily. Lintuan, 51, was well known for his criticism of local politicians in Davao City. Days prior to his death, Lintuan was attacking the city government, led by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for its alleged anomalous People's Park, a local development project which he called the “Crocodiles’ Park.". The mayor denied the allegation linking him to the attack. Duterte pointed to retired Army General Jovito Palparan, an adviser of rival Congressman Prospero Nograles, to have a hand in the killing. Lintuan had survived an August 1987 attack inside DXRA radio in Davao. Three others died in the attack.

2008

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Benefredo Acabal	The Filipino Newsmen tabloid (Cavite & Bulacan) as publisher & columnist	Apr. 7 Pasig City		NUJP CPJ
Marcos Mataro	D'X-Man host at UNTV-37 (Metro Manila) Minister, Ang Dating Daan	Apr. 27 San Simon, Pampanga	Attacked by two masked gunmen at the North Luzon Expressway toll gate. Case underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR
Fausto "Bert" Sison	Correspondent (contributor) for the weekly Regional Bulletin and at the Lucena-based DZAT-am as music program host	June 30 Sariaya, Quezon	Sison, 60, and his two daughters, also working for the said provincial newspaper, were on their way home from a party when two unidentified motorcycle-riding men opened fire at his car. Sison died; the daughters survived. The suspects and the motive are yet to identify. Case dismissed at the trial court due to insufficient evidence against suspects.	NUJP CMFR
Martin Roxas	RMN–DYVR (Roxas City) program director; program host Auditor, NUJP–Capiz	Aug. 7 Roxas City, Capiz	Roxas, 32, had engaged in denouncing government corruption, was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital after being shot by a gunman on a motorcycle while on his way home from his noon time program. Roxas had discussed for two weeks the alleged anomalies on the financial aid during an administration of a city mayor. Two suspects were arrested few weeks later. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Dennis Cuesta	Program director and commentator of RMN–DXMD (General Santos City)	Attack: Aug. 4 General Santos City Death: Aug 9	Cuesta, 38, had also engaged in denouncing government corruption, was shot by one (believed to be a hired) of the motorcycle-riding assailants near a shopping mall while walking on his way home from work; died in hospital. Believed to be work-related. A month before, Cuesta had reported in his program water contamination in a village, with an association later investigated. He then received death threats. A police officer related to then city mayor, identified as the main suspect and one of the gunmen, remains at large by 2011 despite having an order from a city court in 2009 to arrest him and several others involved; the murder charge against him has been archived. Incident is unresolved by 2011.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Arecio Padrigao Sr.	Anchor (and commentator) of a blocktime weekly program for DXRS-fm Radyo Natin (Gingoog City) and columnist for the local Mindanao Monitor Today	Nov. 17 Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental	Padrigao, 55, was gunned down by a motorcycle-riding assassin in front of a local university. His killing seemed work-related. Padrigao, criticized local government corruption as well as illegal logging activities in his province on his program, had received threats. Conviction reported for a suspect (pled guilty to homicide while trial is ongoing for another one).	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Leo Mila	Anchoring programs (and commentator) at Radyo Natin; also worked at En Peryodista	Dec. 2 San Roque, Northern Samar	Mila, 38, was on his way home from his afternoon program when unknown assailants attacked and shot him. Mila had received death threats because of his commentaries. Killing is believed work-related.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2009

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Badrodin Abas (or Abbas)	DXCM Radyo Ukay as blocktime program host	January Cotabato City		NUJP CPJ
Ernesto Rollin	DXSY-am (Oroquieta City) as announcer	Feb. 23 Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental	Murdered. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Tiburcio "Jojo" Trajano Jr.	Remate	June 3 Taytay, Rizal	Killed in a dangerous assignment. Case filed; suspects later killed.	CMFR CPJ
Crispin Perez	Lawyer-broadcaster; one of weekday program anchors (and commentator) at DWDO	June 9 San Jose, Occidental Mindoro	Shot outside of his house; later died in the hospital. On April 14, 2016, Lipa City RTC acquitted police officer Darwin Quimoyog, accused in the murder, citing that the testimonies of some witnesses were "only circumstantial evidence".	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Antonio Castillo	Bigwasan tabloid as reporter	June 12 Uson, Masbate	Case archived	NUJP CMFR
Jonathan Petalvero	DXVM-fm as commentator	June 25 Bayugan, Agusan del Sur		NUJP
Godofredo Linao Jr.	Radyo Natin Bislig City as program coordinator	June or July Barobo, Surigao del Sur	Case archived	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Ismael Pasigma/Pasigna	B96 FM (Zamboanga del Norte) as commentator	Dec. 24 Labason, Zamboanga del Norte	Case underwent trial	NUJP CMFR CPJ

Abas, Badrudin

Badrudin Abas was a peace worker and block-time radio commentator in Cotabato City.

On January 21, 2009, while he was driving a red passenger multicab about 7 p.m., two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen shot him in the head. He died immediately. The police offered the theory that he was mistaken for his brother who is alleged to be involved in a love triangle. But the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) voiced concerns that his killing may be just a continuation of the cycle of violence against journalists in the Philippines and called for a thorough investigation.

Like many of the journalists killed during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Abas worked for local radio and had a reputation for strong commentary on Muslim and military issues.

Journalists killed in Maguindanao massacre

Thirty-two of them were among the 58 murdered on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao as they accompanied the convoy of the family and supporters of opposition politician, then Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu; and were about to cover the filing of candidacy on the latter's behalf for provincial governor for the 2010 election. They had departed from Mangudadatu residence and before reaching Shariff Aguak town, ruling Ampatuan's "private army" of approximately 200, allegedly led by Andal Ampatuan Jr. and with law enforcement authorities, at Ampatuan town, waylaid the group, as well as passers-by and diverted to a hill wherein they shot the victims dead, with their bodies and some of the vehicles later buried in the pits by clan members. Within few days, all were retrieved except a body of one journalist which remains missing. This incident is the world's single worst attack on the media members and the country's worst incident of electoral violence.

Journalists and media workers killed in Maguindanao massacre

Name	Age	Profile	Refs.
Bengie Adolfo	20	From Gold Star Daily: Adolfo: driver The rest are correspondents.
Rubello Bataluna	44
Jose "Jhoy" Duhay
Ronnie Perante	43
Henry Araneta	42	DZRH correspondent
Mc Delbert "Mac-mac" Arriola	20	From UNTV: Arriola: cameraman Evardo: assistant cameraman Nuñez: news anchor and reporter Tiamzon: driver
Jolito Evardo	23
Victor Nuñez	24
Daniel Tiamzon	52
Arturo Betia		From Periodico Ini: Betia: marketing director Caniban: news bureau chief Decena: circulation manager Legarta: contributor Merisco: columnist Razon: sales manager Also: Caniban: Sultan Kudarat Gazette associate publisher Decena: worked in Rapido Merisco: worked in Tingog MindaNOW Legarta: Tingog Mindanao publisher, worked in Prontiera News
John Caniban	30
Noel Decena
Bienvenido Legarta Jr.	36
Rey Merisco
Fernando "Ranny" Razon	44
Romeo Jimmy "Pal-ak" Cabillo		From Midland Review: Cabillo: correspondent Momay: photographer and messenger
Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay	61
Marites Cablitas	37	From News Focus: Cablitas: publisher Morales: circulation manager Cabitas: RPN–DXDX news anchor
Rosell Morales	34
Hannibal Cachuela	50	Manila Star correspondent and Punto News bureau chief
Jephon Cadagdagon	28	From Saksi Balita/Saksi Mindanaoan News: Cadagdagon: photographer Dela Cruz, Montaño: correspondents Montaño: DXCP (talent, reporter) Also RGMA Super Radyo part-time reporter; sales account executive
Gina Dela Cruz	41
Marife "Neneng" Montaño
Eleanor "Leah" Dalmacio	38	From Socsargen News Today/Socksargen Today: Dalmacio: reporter, office secretary Subang: publisher
Francisco "Ian" Subang Jr.	49
Santos Gatchalian Jr.	51	From Mindanao Daily Gazette: Gatchalian: reporter Lupogan: Davao City-based reporter; publisher Gatchalian: DXGO Davao City
Lindo Lupogan	42
Joel Parcon	49	Prontiera News correspondent
Ernesto "Bart" Maravilla		News anchor and reporter at Bombo Radyo Koronadal City
Alejandro "Bong" Reblando	54	Manila Bulletin correspondent and Reuters stringer
Napoleon "Nap" Salaysay	55	Publisher and editor-in-chief of Clear View Gazette
Andres "Andy" Teodoro	59	Mindanao Inquirer editor-in-chief, People's Forum
Attack and death: November 23, 2009 Ampatuan, Maguindanao
Sources: NUJP, CMFR, CPJ

Fifteen of the 197 accused were members of the Ampatuan clan including the masterminds, former provincial governor Andal Sr., died July 2015, and his sons, Andal Jr. and Zaldy, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor. On December 19, 2019, in a verdict by Quezon City RTC, 28 principal respondents, including eight Ampatuan clan members especially the brothers, were convicted for 57 counts of murder, including 31 media workers, and were sentenced with reclusión perpetua without parole; 15 were sentenced to lower prison terms for being accessories to the crime.

By January 2020, four more accused, one of them among those acquitted, were under police custody; 77 remain at large.

Suspects in the Maguindanao massacre case

Status		No.
Individuals originally indicted		197
Arrested		117
During the trial	Discharged and/or released	8
	Died	8
	Had faced the trial	101
	Granted bail	11
	Remained under detention	90
2019 verdict	Convicted (sentenced with reclusión perpetua)	28
	Convicted (sentenced to 6–10 years imprisonment)	15
	Acquitted	57
Remained at large at the time of the verdict		80
Accused under police custody after the verdict (by January 2020)		4

2010s

2010

In the final month of the Arroyo administration, three radio journalists were killed. Desidario Camangyan was killed while hosting a singing contest at Manay, Davao Oriental on June 14. Within 48 hours, Joselito Agustin was murdered in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, for his political reporting. Nestor Bedolido was the last journalist killed that month.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Desiderio "Jessie" Camangyan	Sunrise FM as broadcaster	June 14 Manay, Davao Oriental or Mati City, Davao Oriental	Shot while onstage hosting a singing contest. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Jovelito Agustin	DZJC Aksyon Radyo as broadcaster	June 16 Laoag City, Ilocos Norte	Ambushed by two men on motorcycles while on his way home. Nephew injured. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nestor Bedolido	Mt. Apo Current and Kastigador as reporter, columnist	June 19 Digos City, Davao del Sur	Killed. Case underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR
Miguel "Mike" Belen	Reporter of DWEB-fm in Nabua, Camarines Sur	Attack: July 9 Sorsogon City, Sorsogon Death: July 31	Shot. Murder charges were filed against suspects who were supposedly identified by him before his death. They include Eric Vargas, an alleged gunman convicted in 2015 by a court in Camarines Sur and sentenced to a 40-year prison term; another is a New People's Army member. This was cited in a 2013 report by PCIJ as the only case in the first six months of Aquino administration and considered work-related.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2011

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Eight deaths were cited in a 2013 report by PCIJ and considered work-related. Two cases underwent court trial:
Gerardo "Doc Gerry" Ortega	RMN–DWAR anchor Environmentalist	Jan. 24 Puerto Princesa City	Murdered by a lone gunman in a store. Ortega had criticized the misuse of the royalties arising from the Malampaya gas field off Palawan. The team of hired killers were arrested later. Nine suspects include the alleged masterminds, former Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron mayor Mario Reyes, both indicted by the DOJ and later managed to escape amid issuance of arrest warrant; as well as self-confessed assailant Marlon Recamata who, in May 2013, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Niel Jimena	RMN–DYRI (Iloilo City) blocktimer	Aug. 22 Enrique B. Magalona, Negros Occidental	Killed. Two suspects were identified. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Four cases are under police investigation by November 2013, suspect/s unidentified:
Cirilo Gallardo	DWWM Spirit FM DJ and newscaster (Bangued)	Feb. 1 Bangued, Abra	Killed	NUJP
Roy Gallego	Freelancer worked as blocktimer in DXDA, DXSF, DXJM, and 92.7 Smile FM	Oct. 14 Lianga, Surigao del Sur	Killed. Case archived.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Alfredo "Dodong" Velarde Jr.	Brigada News circulation manager	Nov. 11 General Santos City	Shot dead by a gunman while driving his car.	NUJP
Antonio Silagon	Bohol Balita Daily News tabloid publisher	December Trinidad, Bohol	Killed. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR
A case was under preliminary investigation by the DOJ by November 2013:
Marlina/Maria Len Flores–Sumera	DZME anchor President of a homeowners' group	Mar. 24 Malabon City	Shot dead by a gunman near her house while on her way to her work. Sumera was president of a homeowners' group, one of those involved in land disputes, the issue she had been commenting over her program. She had received threats allegedly from another group in the said city. In April, charges were filed against four alleged members of Partisanong Armadong Operatiba ng Partidong Marxista-Leninista ng Pilipinas identified as suspects. Suspects at-large by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Another was already classified as "cold case" by Task Force Usig, suspect/s unidentified:
Romeo (Romy) Olea	DWEB-fm program host (commentator and reporter)	June 13 Iriga City, Camarines Sur	Gunned down by one of two unidentified motorcycle-riding men while on his way to work. Olea had discussed issues on the city government in his program. The murder has been classified as a cold case because of lack of information for possible suspects.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Death not cited in a PCIJ report.
Johnson Pascual	Columnist for the defunct Prime News and Northeast Journal (Maddela, Quirino) Manager of the First Isabela Cooperative Bank in the same municipality	Oct. 7 Isabela	Died immediately as being shot by two motorcycle-riding men while driving a van from Alicia town to Cauayan City. A suspect was arrested in 2012 for the murder.

2012

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Five deaths were cited in a 2013 report by PCIJ and considered work-related. One case underwent court trial:
Aldion Layao	DXRP blocktimer; also worked in GMA Super Radyo Davao Barangay chairman	Apr. 8 Davao City	Declared dead on arrival as was shot by motorcycle-riding assassins inside his car while on his way home from work. A suspect was identified.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Two cases were filed with Prosecutor's Office by November 2013, suspect/s unidentified:
Christopher Guarin	Publisher in local Tatak News and (blocktime) commentator also worked in Radyo Mo Nationwide and RGMA Super Radyo	Jan. 5 General Santos City	Died when was shot by a gunman riding in tandem on a motorcycle that fired at his car.	NUJP CPJ
Nestor Libaton	Catholic-run DXHM anchor	May 8 Mati City, Davao Oriental	Shot dead by unknown motorcycle-riding assailants as he was leaving for Tarragona town. No motive was found. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
One is under police investigation by November 2013, suspect/s unidentified:
Rommel "Jojo" Palma	DXMC Bombo Radyo reporter and driver	Apr. 30 Koronadal City, South Cotabato	Killed. No case filed yet.	NUJP CMFR
Another was already classified as "cold case" by Task Force Usig, suspect/s unidentified:
Julius Cauzo	Political commentator and program host at DWJJ-am Vice president of the Nueva Ecija Press Club	Nov. 8 Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija	Murdered by a motorcycle-riding gunman reportedly while on his way back to the studios of politician-owned station. Cauzo was said had received several death threats. Despite the city police having witnesses' accounts on two unidentified men at the scene prior to the crime and digital composite sketches of these men, their only lead, as well as a cash reward from local officials for their arrest, it was reported by Feb. 2013 that there had been little progress in the case. PCIJ, on its Nov. 2013 report, noticed some faults in the investigation, including reports on the existence of any evidences. Still, the motive is unknown and none were arrested.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Deaths not cited in a PCIJ report.
Nixon Cua	Pilipino Star Ngayon	July 22		NUJP
Eddie Jesus Apostol	DXND	Sep 1		CPJ

2013

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Nine deaths were cited in a November 2013 report by PCIJ and considered work-related. Three cases were filed with Prosecutor's Office by November 2013:
Dr. Edgardo Adajar	Hot FM 101.5 blocktimer	January San Pablo City, Laguna	Killed. Two accused were identified. Case filed, suspects at large by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR
Richard Kho	All were from Aksyon Ngayon tabloid: Kho: staff member and columnist Loreto: publisher and columnist	July Quezon City	Two accused were also identified. On October 23, 2014, Benji Bate, entering into a plea bargaining, pleaded guilty before the Quezon City RTC for the killing. Other suspect at large by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Bonifacio Loreto Jr.				NUJP CMFR CPJ
Six others are under police investigation by November 2013, suspect/s unidentified:
Mario Vendiola Baylosis	101.7 FM Radyo Natin announcer and also worked in DXNC Radyo Suhnan	Apr. 22 Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay	Killed	NUJP CPJ
Miguelito "Mike" Rueras	DYDD El Nuevo Bantay Radyo correspondent	June 2 Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate	Killed. No case filed as suspect later found killed.	CMFR
Mario Sy	Freelancer worked as photojournalist for daily tabloid Sapol News Bulletin	Aug. 1 General Santos City	Shot dead at his home. Case underwent investigation by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Fernando "Nanding" Solijon	DXLS Love Radio commentator	Aug. 29 Iligan City	Murdered. Case filed; suspect at large by Nov. 2014; other suspect has been found dead.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Vergel Bico	Kalahi editor and publisher	Sept. 4 Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro	Killed. Case underwent investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Jesus "Jessie" Tabanao	DYRC Radyo Calungsod program anchor Former Bombo Radyo assistant station manager; information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Region 7	Sept. 14 Cebu City	Tabanao, 35, died on the spot when was shot in by a gunman who has remained free by 2015. Classified as work-related. The Mandaue City police reportedly has not been finding the alleged killer in the city as the arrest warrant was said issued to them.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Later cases cited.
Joash (Joas) Dignos	DXGT Radyo Abante	Nov. 29 Valencia City, Bukidnon	Murdered. All suspects are at large by Nov. 2014; case had filed against one of them.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Michael Diaz Milo	Broadcaster at Prime FM	December Tandag City, Surigao del Sur	Shot and killed	NUJP
Jhonavin Villalba	DYOK Aksyon Radyo Iloilo City	Dec 10		NUJP
Rogelio "Tata" Butalid	107.9 Radyo Natin blocktimer Former broadcaster in DXDN; village councilor	Dec. 11 Tagum City, Davao del Norte	Shot dead by a lone killer shortly after he concluded his program. This was linked to the issues in Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO). A city mayor was implicated as said to had directed a "death squad". By Feb. 2015, no action was taken against the mayor and his accomplices.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2014

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Robelita/Rubylita "Ruby" Garcia	Remate tabloid correspondent, DWAD blocktimer President of a regional journalists' group and a National Press Club member	Apr. 6 Bacoor City, Cavite	Had started as radio blocktimer few weeks prior to her death when was shot by two unidentified men in her house and died five hours later in a hospital. A feud with a police officer was said to be a possible motive. Case underwent investigation by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Richard "DJ Troy" Nadjid/Najid	Broadcaster at DXNN Power Myx FM and also worked in DXGD-am	May 4 Bongao, Tawi-Tawi	Killed. Case underwent investigation by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Samuel "Sammy" Oliverio	Program host in DXDS Radyo Ukay, owned by UM Broadcasting Network, and Supreme Radio	May 23 Digos City, Davao del Sur	Fatally shot by two motorcycle-riding attackers while driving home. Police confirmed his death was work-related and politically motivated. Case underwent preliminary investigation by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nilo Baculo Sr.	DWIM Radyo Mindoro	June 9 Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro	Case underwent investigation by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2015

• Nerlita "Nerlie" Ledesma, Abante tabloid reporter based in Balanga City, Bataan, was shot and killed by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen on Jan 8 while she was on the way to work.
• Maurito Lim, dyRD, died Feb 14
• Melinda "Mei" Magsino, Philippine Daily Inquirer, died Apr. 13
• Gregorio (Gregory) Ybañez, publisher of weekly Kabayan News, president of Davao del Norte Press and Radio-TV Club (DNRPC), and a director of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) bloc, was fatally gunned down at his residence in Tagum City on Aug. 18. This was linked to the conflict between two DANECO factions.
• Teodoro Escanilla, broadcaster (DZMS) and human rights activist, was waylaid and shot on Aug 19 outside his home in Barcelona, Sorsogon.
• Cosme Diaz Maestrado, commentator (DXOC), was shot dead on Aug 27 in front of a shopping center in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
• Jose Bernardo; DWBL & DWIZ; Bandera Pilipino; died Oct 31

2016

• Elvis Ordaniza, dxWO FM, died Feb 16
• Alex Balcoba, People's Brigada, died May 27

Two cases in the first six months of Duterte administration were recorded by the NUJP.

• Apolinario Suan Jr. of Real FM, former President of the Barangay Chairmen of Bislig City and provincial board Member; killed in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. Motive is inconclusive by mid-2018. He had been critical of the city mayor.
• Larry Que of Catanduanes News Now periodical, murdered in December in Virac, Catanduanes; had reported drug proliferation in Catanduanes. Case confirmed work-related. A resolution from the DOJ was issued, dismissing the murder complaint against five individuals for lack of evidence. In Feb. 2019, the provincial police turned over the investigation to a regional unit of the CIDG.

2017

Six deaths, all recorded by the NUJP, were also cited in a 2018 report by Vera Files. Three of them are confirmed work-related (That of Lozada is only considered the same by the PTFoMS):

• Joaquin Briones of Remate periodical, murdered on Mar 13 in Milagros, Masbate. By 2018, four suspects were arrested for the killing. Possible motive was believed to be either local politics, which he had reported, or personal grudge.
• Leonardo (Leo) Diaz of Sapol News Bulletin periodical, also worked in Balita and Radio Mindanao Network; murdered on Aug 7 in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; had reported on local corruption. According to the provincial police, the killing is possibly due to his personal affair and activities. An arrest warrant was issued by the Tacurong City RTC against one of the two accused.
• Christopher (Chris) Iban Lozada of DXBF–Prime Broadcasting Network, murdered on Oct 24 in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; had reported local politics and corruption. By late 2019, suspects were indicted for the cases of murder and frustrated murder. Case is pending in court by early 2020.

Two others are confirmed non-work-related:

• Mario Contaoi of DZNS Radyo Totoo, former reporter and university professor; killed on Jan 6 in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur; had reported local politics and environmental issues before he left the station in early 2016. Possible motive for the killing was a personal grudge.
• Rudy Alicaway, program host at DXPB-fm Radyo ng Bayan, incumbent barangay kagawad; shot and killed Aug 6 in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. The motive was disclosed most likely personal as he was linked in the death of a barangay chairman.

The motive of another case is reportedly inconclusive by mid-2018:

• Marlon Muyco, municipal administrative assistant in M'lang and, according to the police, a frequent guest in a program on DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan City; killed in February in M'lang, Cotabato.

2018

NUJP recorded four of those listed. The cases of Denora and Llana are considered work-related by the PTFoMS; that of Sestoso is confirmed the same by another source.

• Edmund Sestoso, anchorman of DYGB-fm Power 91 Dumaguete City, was riding a pedicab on Apr 30 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental when gunmen riding in tandem opened fire at him; was in critical condition until his death in a hospital on May 1; had reported local issues. At least three witnesses identified the two suspects, including the gunman, said introduced themselves as NPA members, planned for the killing as Sestoso was alleged to be responsible for framing up another suspect, an NPA commander and uncle of the two, who had arrested in 2014 in Tanjay City. Murder charges were filed twice in 2018 against the three. The first, supported by various documentary evidences, was withdrawn by the victim's widow; the second was dismissed by the city prosecutor for lack of evidence. One of the suspects, Richard Bustamante Jr., died in a shooting incident in La Libertad in the same year; another was wounded. Police investigators sought a reopening of the case.
• Carlos Matas (volunteer broadcaster of DXCA-fm; retired soldier), died on the spot on May 12 in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur when was ambushed by gunmen while riding on his way home to Pagadian City. Later in the afternoon, an operation was conducted by joint law enforcement personnel, with three suspects, as well as a policeman, killed; another suspect was wounded. Personal motive was reportedly the reason. Three more suspects remain at large by early 2020.
• Dennis Denora, publisher-editor of weekly Trends and Times (Panabo City) and DNPRC president, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants on June 7 in Panabo City, Davao del Norte in what was suspected to be a politically motivated murder. He used to write a column for People's Daily Forum and Peryodiko Davao prior to setting up his own publication. Murder complaint and information were filed against a suspect and his unidentified companions. Case is pending in court by early 2020.
• Joey Llana, Home Radio Legazpi, declared dead two hours after being shot while on his way to work in Daraga, Albay on July 20. In 2019, an information for murder was filed against a suspect. The case is raffled at the RTC Legazpi City. Case is pending in court by early 2020.
• Gabriel Alburo, announcer of DYJL-fm Like Radio Guihulngan, candidate for councilor at Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental; shot to death (Dec. 28) by two unidentified gunmen riding in tandem while on his way home from the La Libertad cockpit arena. It was reported that the victim had an argument with a betting rival because of their bets. Investigation is ongoing by early 2020.

Non-work-related cases include:

• Jessie M. Cano (DXSO): Shot dead while on his way to MSU Campus, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on June 23. Several possible angles were seen, including Cano being an Army Reservist, making him a possible target of Islamic State sympathizers.
• Nelvie Yu, 29 (reporter at 101.7 Spirit FM Baler, Aurora): Found dead in their residence in Dingalan, Aurora on Aug. 4. Her husband was considered a person of interest as the victim allegedly had an argument with him on the night before.

2019

NUJP recorded three of those listed.

• John Michael Decano (part-time news correspondent, announcer of DWPY Pasalingaya FM in Sorsogon; beautician), found dead on Jan 9 inside a parlor in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon. His death in what was appeared as robbery with homicide is not work-related.
• Eduardo Dizon, station manager and host at Brigada News FM Kidapawan station, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving home on July 10 in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. He is critical of the Kapa controversy in his commentaries over his program, later said as the motive for the killing. A suspect-turned-eyewitness identified a local Kapa leader, also local broadcaster, as the mastermind. In late 2019, three other suspects were indicted for the murder in the Kidapawan RTC. One of them, also local broadcaster, later surrendered. Case is pending in court by early 2020.
• Dindo Generoso, DYEM-fm Bai Radio, died in November in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Charges were filed against suspect/s; case is pending in court by early 2020.
• Benjie Caballero, Radyo ni Juan, died in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

2020s

2020

• Cornelio Pepino, Original Energy 93.7 FM, murdered in May in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
• Jobert Bercasio, Balangibog, murdered Sep 14 in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.
• Virgilio Maganes; DWPR, Northern Watch; murdered on Nov 10 in Villasis, Pangasinan. He was shot in a prior incident in 2016.
• Ronnie Villamor, Dos Kantos Balita, was gunned down on Nov 14 in Milagros, Masbate in an alleged encounter as authorities claimed. His colleagues denied the occurrence of that encounter.

2021

• Renante Cortes, dyRB, murdered July 22
• Orlando "Dondon" Dinoy; Newsline Philippines, Energy FM; died Oct 30
• Jesus Malabanan; Manila Standard, Manila Times, Bandera; murdered Dec 8

2022

• Jaynard Angeles, killed Jan. 12
• Jhannah Villegas; Sagad & Bugso, Radyo Ukay, Energy FM 106.7; murdered April 15, 2022
• Federico Gempesaw, Radyo Natin 106.3 FM CDO, died June 29
• Renato Blanco, Power 102.1 DYRY RFM Mabinay, murdered Sep 18
• Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa, DWBL 1242, murdered Oct 3

See also

• Human rights in the Philippines (section Press freedom)
• Extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Philippines
• Political killings in the Philippines (2001-2010)
• List of assassinations in the Philippines

External links

1. "List of Journalists killed under the Arroyo administration". gmanews.tv.
2. "Pacific Media Watch" (PDF). kauri.aut.ac.nz.