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

Despite the Philippines being one of the most liberal Asian countries for journalists, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has said that it is one of the world's deadliest for them. Violence against journalists 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 ranks 147th out of the 180 countries evaluated by RSF.

The 2009 Maguindanao massacre caused the country to be ranked 156th by RSF in 2010; 3rd in the Global Impunity Index (GII) since then until 2014, the country's worst; and to be listed as well in that year the world's deadliest for journalists; all by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The country had been on its list of the twenty deadliest from 2007 until being excluded in 2015. 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 the 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.

The country, along with five others, has been in the GII since its launch by CPJ in 2008. The index measures deliberate, work-related killings of journalists, beginning from ten years prior. In the 2023 list, the country ranks 8th in terms of impunity in the killings, moving down from 7th in 2019–2022, and 4th in 2015.

Based on the data by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), 199 media workers have been killed since 1986; 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.

Other groups also report similarly high numbers. Data from the CPJ shows 159 killed since 1992; UNESCO reported 117 since 1996, with the majority of them having the state's publicized responses to Director General's request for information on judicial follow-up. Both include the most recent killing, the death of Juan Jumalon in November 2023.

Prior to Jumalon's death, PTFoMS reported that there were 142 work-related killings, also since 1986.

RSF, on the other hand, has an estimate of directly work-related killings that is a little less than the estimate of the NUJP.

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. (as of Nov. 2023)	4	—	—
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 President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972. Until 1999, 87 journalists were reportedly slain. PMPF, defunct by the 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 and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), were radio personalities, especially blocktime commentators, many affiliated to local politicians as suggested by a research from CPJ, and as reported by PCIJ, had minimal awareness of journalistic ethics or libel laws. 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 and were critical about these issues. For instance, a CPJ's database shows that among those journalists killed in 1992–July 2021, it was found that 94% were based in the provinces; a third of them had received prior threats. 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), and two during a coup attempt 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 shows that few out of the cases of media killings since the 1986 People Power Revolution have had developments. Combined data from CMFR (Nov. 2014) and PTFoMS (Jan. 2020) show at least 53 of the cases resulted in convictions; the CMFR also reported, by Apr. 2016, six acquittals. Meanwhile, CMFR recorded that, by 2011, 54% of the monitored cases were considered "cold or dead" where police have been unable to identify and arrest any suspect. Furthermore, both PCIJ (in a February 2015 report) and CMFR stated that none of the masterminds have been prosecuted and convicted. The CPJ shows in its database that assailants in 97% of the recorded killings (1992–July 2021) have not yet been punished; local government officials were suspected as the masterminds in more than half of the cases.

PTFoMS, created through Administrative Order No. 1 issued by President 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, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created Task Force Usig in response to the rising number of murders of journalists and activists. While the supervisory body reportedly accomplished police reform and increased coordination, among other accomplishments, it was criticized by media activists for failure to provide necessary logistics. Additionally, it was deemed ineffective as it operated from Camp Crame and relied 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 focuses on the case depending on the definition of the "media members" or those considered as workers, which excludes guests invited by media entities; initially presumes all reported killings of such 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.
• Ermin Garcia Sr., editor of the Dagupan Sunday Punch newspaper, was shot dead in his office by two hitmen in Dagupan, Pangasinan on 20 May 1966. The next edition of the Sunday Punch revealed that Garcia was working on exposing the illegal practices of some local politicians at the time, and that the killing was most likely related.
• Celso Tan, DYRL commentator, was shot dead in May 1967 in his home in Bacolod. 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 in Negros Occidental.

1980s

Pre-1986

• Demosthenes "Demy" Dingcong, Lanao provincial correspondent of Bulletin Today, was shot by an unidentified gunman in his house in Iligan, Lanao del Norte on December 5, 1980. He had written 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, was murdered on March 2, 1984.
• 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.
• Vicente (Vic) Villordon, DYLA anchor, a critic of both the Marcos government and the communist movement, was shot by two gunmen on December 28, 1984, outside the station in Cebu City. The 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) 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 is 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 gunned down.
• Noe Alejandrino of Bulacan, was claimed by the military as a Communist rebel leader who was killed after engaging soldiers in a firefight.

1986

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Pete Mabazza	Local correspondent for Manila Bulletin	Attack: April 24 Gattaran, Cagayan Deaths: Mabazza died same day; Vicoy died April 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, Laguna	Fatally shot. Motive remains unclear.	CMFR
Dionisio Perpetuo Joaquin	Olongapo News	Apr. 12 Subic, Zambales or Olongapo	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 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
Robert Macdonald	New Zealander freelance photographer working for Pacific Defense Reports	Aug. 28	Shot while covering the August 1987 Philippine coup attempt.
Martin Castor	Pilipino Ngayon (Manila) reporter; photographer	Aug. 28 Manila	Shot during the August 1987 Philippine coup attempt when members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement fired on his press van.	NUJP CMFR
Ramon Noblejas	DYVL (Tacloban) production manager; reporter	Oct. 4 Tacloban	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	Shot dead near his house. Case has been unsolved. The CPP–NPA were reported to be responsible; further claimed by a former communist rebel, former colleagues of Enriquez and Vic Villordon (killed in 1984), in a 2006 report by 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	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 escaped arrest. 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 the 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
Enrique Lingan	The Luzon Times, The Midway Star	Feb. 4 Lucena		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)	July 8 General Santos	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)	July 10 Lingayen, Pangasinan	With his son, shot dead by unknown gunmen.
Jaime Ramoros		Dec. 25 Iligan

1991

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Nesino Paulin Toling	Publisher-editor (and owner) of Panguil Bay Monitor (Ozamiz)	Apr. 14 Ozamiz, 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, 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		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	Abducted after a conflict with law enforcement intelligence and was never seen again.	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, Cebu	Iyas, 63, was shot at his home. He was said to be the campaign manager of the city's vice mayor who was running for mayor in the 1995 Philippine general election. Case remains 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. Charges against Jecknel Inso, who had spent five years in jail as a suspect, was dismissed upon prosecution's failure to present witnesses. Case remains unsolved.

1996

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Ferdinand Reyes	Editor (and publisher) of the weekly Press Freedom (Dipolog) Human rights lawyer	Feb. 12 Dipolog	Murdered by a lone gunman. A soldier, contracted by military officials, was suspected as he had been critical of 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, remains at large. The motive is 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 12 (Legazpi)	August Legazpi, 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.
Odilon Mallari	DXCP (General Santos) reporter (and commentator) Lawyer	Feb. 15 General Santos	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)	May 13 Bacolod	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 Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reopened its investigation on the case.
Dominador "Dom" Bentulan	DXGS (General Santos)	Oct. 30 General Santos or Digos		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) senior reporter Pastor	Apr. 25 Bacolod	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 since 1986	NUJP CMFR

Unknown date

• In the 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, Zamboanga del Sur	Reportedly shot dead. No arrests were made despite the assassin being described by witnesses. Case remains unsolved.
Vincent Rodriguez	DZMM correspondent (Pampanga-based)	May 23 Guagua, Pampanga	Murdered in an assignment covering the visit of a son of President Joseph Estrada. On June 4, 2001, three accused in the killing, all members of the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan, an NPA splinter group, 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, Zamboanga del Sur	Murdered. A former military officer accused of the killing remained at large; 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 charges against four suspects were filed in 2004 but was dismissed by the provincial prosecutor's office, which rejected 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 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)	Feb. 24 Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur	While on his way home on his motorcycle, was reportedly shot and killed by two unidentified individuals. 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. At the 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 Philippine Army. On May 28, 2002, the main suspect, hired killer Abduwarid Adda, was arrested in the 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 a target of 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 in 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; no arrests were made.	NUJP
Edgar Damalerio	Pagadian-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, Zamboanga del Sur	An award-winning journalist, Damalerio, 32 or 33, was fatally shot by one of two unidentified motorcycle-riding men that had stopped his open vehicle while about to return to his home from a press conference, along with two friends. He had criticized local politicians and police, including its chief, on corruption and the failure to crack down on illegal drugs and criminal activities, and had received death threats. Despite the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) opening an investigation, a series of cover-ups by police were reported. Two of three witnesses of the killing were later killed. After a trial in 2005 in Cebu, 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	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, Laguna	Shot by an unknown man as he rode from home. He had regularly criticized the municipal opposition and a 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. Cold case; murder suspects later killed.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2003

CPJ reported six work-related murders; all remain unsolved and none were charged.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
John Belen Villanueva Jr.	Had cultural programs at DZGB (Legazpi, Albay)	Apr. 28 Camalig, Albay	Gunned down. Case remains unsolved.	NUJP CMFR
Apolinario "Polly" Pobeda	DWTI-am (Lucena) commentator	May 17 Lucena	Pobeda, 35, 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 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 the mayor's family, including brothers identified as bodyguards of the mayor's son, also a councilor; a third said shot and killed Pobeda; those behind the murder are 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	Shot by an unidentified gunman in front of his house. Gregorio wrote many articles critical of municipal officials including the mayor. No arrests were made.	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; another 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 December 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 some time, police ransacked his house, confiscating articles he had written. Case dismissed at the trial court.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rico Ramirez	Commentator at DXSF (Butuan); also reporter and cameraman	Aug. 20 San Francisco, Agusan del Sur	Ramirez, 25, was shot on the roadside. He had engaged in critical reporting on local politicians. The murder was believed to be due to his investigations into drug trafficking. Case remains unsolved. 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. No arrests were made.	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	Shot by two unidentified gunmen while on his motorcycle leaving the station after his daily broadcast. The motive is unclear. Nadura, a blocktimer, had a 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

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/Ruel Endrinal	Blocktime program host and political commentator on DZRC (Legazpi) and publisher of Bicol Metro News	Feb. 11 Legazpi, Albay	Shot by two assailants as was just left his home and walked to work. He was critical of local politicians, especially the provincial governor. Endrinal had received death threats before, said to be linked to local politicians. Those behind the murder remain unidentified. Conviction reported; mastermind/s remained at large (as of 2014).	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Elpidio/Eliseo "Ely" Binoya	Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC)–Radyo Natin commentator (General Santos)	June 17 General Santos	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, whom he had criticized along with 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. On March 6, 2006, a court acquitted a former police officer.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rogelio "Roger" Mariano	Commentator and reporter for DZJC Aksyon Radyo (Laoag) 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, a known critic of 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 Supreme Court in 2006, the court records, as well as suspects, were transferred from Ilocos Norte to Manila before the trial; two more suspects remain at large. 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	Reporter of DXBB RGMA Super Radyo General Santos	Aug 8 or 9 General Santos	Shot by a former soldier and former bodyguard of Manny Pacquiao following a heated argument; died after being under critical condition. Suspect remains at large as of 2012.	NUJP
Fernando Consignado	Laguna-based volunteer reporter of Radio Veritas	Aug. 12 Nagcarlan, Laguna	Found dead with a gunshot wound in his home. He had received threats over a land dispute along with his commentaries.	NUJP CPJ
Jose Luis Villanueva	Assistant business editor of Today	Sept. 24 Pasay	Villanueva, 29, was stabbed by one of three robbers while riding a bus bound for Baclaran. The 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 four robbers who had stopped him, with a companion, in a vacant lot while he was driving. Another suspect 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.
Romeo/Romy Binungcal	Remate, Bulgar; Mt. Samat Forum (Bataan-based)	Sept. 29 Boundary of Balanga 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, arrived in Sulu 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 Supreme Court 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. In May 2009, a witness was arrested for defying a subpoena. Arcenio had been imprisoned for eight years prior to his conviction on August 10, 2016, by Cebu City RTC, which sentenced him to 14 years in prison.	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 a court 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 2010.	NUJP CPJ
Stephen Omaois	Kalinga-based; Guru News Weekly & DZRK	Abduction: Nov. 26 Death: December Tabuk, Kalinga		NUJP CPJ

2005

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Edgar Amoro	Freelance broadcaster worked as commentator at DXKP (Pagadian) School teacher	Feb. 2 Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur	Amoro, in his 40s, was the second and 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 high school where he was teaching, while walking home. Amoro was said to had received a death threat since 2002, shortly after dismissal of a police chief. On January 26, 2010, a court sentenced to life imprisonment one of the gunmen, Muhammad Maulana, for the murder; another suspect remains at large.	NUJP
Arnulfo Villanueva	Asian Star Express Balita (Naic, Cavite) as columnist	Feb. 28 Naic, Cavite	Shot and killed by paramilitary agents shortly after he left his house; case reportedly "solved" by police.	NUJP CPJ
Romeo Sanchez	DZNL (San Fernando, La Union) as commentator	Mar. 9 Baguio	Killed by paramilitary agents inside a flea market.	NUJP
Marlene Garcia-Esperat	Tacurong-based; columnist for provincial weekly The Midland Review and blocktime program presenter on DXKR President of Tri-Media Association in Soccksargen Region; former ombudsman in the Department of Agriculture–Region 12 (DA–12) Her first husband, Severino Arcones, was murdered in 1989.	Mar. 24 Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat	Fatally shot during a family dinner in her home. She had exposed misconduct in the local government and filed corruption charges against several officials; especially in DA–12, and even accused its officers, Osmeña Montañer and Estrella Sabay, who were among the suspected masterminds for the murder; as well as the Fertilizer Fund scam in which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her Secretary of Agriculture were implicated. On October 6, 2006, a Cebu City court convicted three men, including confessed killer Gerry Cabayag, of 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 dismissed by the Tacurong RTC, prompting a request to the Supreme Court to transfer the case to Cebu, wherein a motion to reinstate the cases was also dismissed. In 2008, murder charges were filed again and the Tacurong RTC eventually issued warrants of arrest. Case against masterminds reportedly archived.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Klein Cantoneros	DXAA-fm commentator and program host (Dipolog)	May 4 Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte	Cantoneros, 34, was shot by three men on motorcycles as he stepped out of the station on his way home. He was known for his commentaries and criticisms of certain politicians, alleged corruption and illegal gambling. On January 29, 2010, Robert Woo was convicted of as an accomplice to the murder.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Philip Agustin	Editor-publisher of community periodical Starline Times Recorder in Dingalan, Aurora (with offices also in Isabela)	May 10 Dingalan, Aurora	Agustin, 54, was shot in his daughter's home by two assailants on a motorbike. Weeks prior, he had published an exposé on irregularities in Dingalan, with a mayor being implicated of embezzlement. Indicted before the municipal trial court were a hired gun and two others, as well as the mayor as the alleged mastermind, who surrendered in 2006. The same year, the Supreme Court agreed to transfer the case from Aurora to the Manila RTC, citing safety concerns and the mayor's influence. On May 14, 2009, another suspected mastermind was arrested in Mabalacat, Pampanga. 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	Murdered inside his house. Uy criticized militarization in Sorsogon, 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, Cebu	Shot at a market. In October 2007, Roberto Jagdon, a former professional boxer originally charged of murder, was sentenced to 8–12 years in prison for homicide. Jagdon was believed to be a hired killer; mastermind remains free. No motive was established.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2006

The 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), as well as DXPA and DXBZ	Jan. 20 Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur	Case dismissed at the trial court	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Graciano Aquino	Central Luzon Forum (Bataan)	Jan. 21 Balanga, Bataan	Killed inside a cockfight arena	NUJP
Orlando Mendoza	Freelancer worked in Tarlac Profile and Tarlac Patrol, both as editor-in-chief	Apr. 2 Tarlac City	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, Cebu	Shot while entering his house. Motives considered include his activity against illegal fishing. In September of that year, SPO1 Marcial Ocampo was sentenced by the court to 40 years in jail for murder. Two alleged accomplices and the mastermind remain unidentified.
Nicolas Cervantes	Reportedly a freelance columnist who 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 Caloocan and Malabon	Killed while driving along the C4 Road. On June 26, 2013, Rommel Lirazan was convicted of murder by the Caloocan RTC.	NUJP
Fernando "Dong" Batul	Commentator and program host at DYPR (Palawan Broadcasting Corporation; Puerto Princesa); also worked in DZRH Former vice mayor of Puerto Princesa	May 22 Puerto Princesa	A murder case was filed against two gunmen, one of them was a police officer who had been criticized by the victim for alleged gun display. He was earlier arrested and tried. The death affected journalists in Palawan, especially when DYPR clashed with its competitor, politician-run DYER, over the issue. Acquittal reported.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
George Vigo	Both Kidapawan-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, 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 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 evidence of a 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. 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)	July 18 Digos	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, a court convicted Joy Anticamara, identified as a gunman, of homicide and sentenced him to 10–17 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	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	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) 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. 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, who was last seen near police headquarters in Cabanatuan 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 remains unresolved.	NUJP
Fernando "Batman" Lintuan	Davao City-based; 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 after leaving his radio program. His companions in a car he drove, two radiomen, left unhurt. On April 22, 2009, a court acquitted a man charged of murder, many believed as a fall guy, due to insufficient evidence.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2008

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Benefredo Acabal	The Filipino Newsmen tabloid (Cavite & Bulacan) as publisher & columnist	Apr. 7 Pasig		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 a 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 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 remain identified. Case dismissed in court due to insufficient evidence against suspects.	NUJP CMFR
Martin Roxas	RMN–DYVR (Roxas) program director; program host Auditor, NUJP–Capiz	Aug. 7 Roxas, Capiz	Roxas, 32, who denounced government corruption, was 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 mayor. Two suspects were arrested a few weeks later. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Dennis Cuesta	Program director and commentator of RMN–DXMD (General Santos)	Attack: Aug. 4 General Santos Death: Aug. 9	Cuesta, 38, who denounced government corruption, was fatally 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. 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. On July 13, 2009, the Supreme Court granted a petition to transfer the trial for the murder from General Santos to Makati. A police inspector related to the then-mayor, identified as the main suspect and one of the gunmen, remained at large despite an arrest order in 2009; the murder charge against him has been archived. Case remains unresolved.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Arecio Padrigao Sr.	Anchor (and commentator) of a blocktime weekly program for DXRS-fm Radyo Natin (Gingoog) and columnist for the local Mindanao Monitor Today	Nov. 17 Gingoog	Padrigao, 55, was gunned down by a motorcycle-riding assassin in front of a university. His killing appeared to be work-related. Padrigao criticized local government corruption as well as illegal logging activities in his province on his program and 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 shot him. Mila had received death threats because of his commentaries. Killing is believed to be work-related.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2009

TF Usig documented five of these cases; classified that of Perez, Castillo and Linao as work-related, while that of Petalvero and Abbas otherwise.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Badrodin Abbas Other records: Badrodin Abas	DXCM Radyo Ukay as blocktime program host (commentator)	January Cotabato City	Shot by two unidentified assailants. He was known for hard‑hitting stories. Case under investigation.	NUJP CPJ
Ernesto Rollin	DXSY-am (Oroquieta) as announcer	Feb. 23 Oroquieta, 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 Former vice governor of Occidental Mindoro	June 9 San Jose, Occidental Mindoro	Shot by a gunman outside of his house. On April 14, 2016, the Lipa 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 reporter	June 12 Uson, Masbate	Shot by two men. He was known for his criticism of local politicians in Masbate. In July, a murder case was filed against the suspects, one of them identified, both remain at large. Case archived	NUJP CMFR
Jonathan Petalvero	DXVM-fm as commentator	June 25 Bayugan, Agusan del Sur	Killed by a gunman. Murder charges were filed in July against a suspect.	NUJP
Godofredo Linao Jr.	Radyo Natin Bislig as program coordinator	July 27 Barobo, Surigao del Sur	Shot by a gunman. A murder case was filed the following day against several suspects who remain at large. 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

Journalists killed in Maguindanao massacre

Thirty-two journalists were among 58 people murdered on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao as they accompanied the convoy of the family and supporters of Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu; and were about to cover the filing of candidacy on the latter's behalf for provincial governor of Maguindanao for the 2010 election. They had departed from Mangudadatu's residence and before reaching Shariff Aguak, came across the ruling Ampatuan family's "private army" of approximately 200, allegedly led by Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. and with law enforcement authorities, at Ampatuan town. The Ampatuans waylaid the group, as well as passers-by and diverted them 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
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

The incident resulted in the declaration of martial law by President Arroyo in December, which lasted for nine days.

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 to 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 Other records: Desidario Camangyan	Sunrise FM (Mati, Davao Oriental) as broadcaster	June 14 Manay, Davao Oriental	Camangyan, 50, was shot dead while onstage hosting a singing contest; reportedly over his criticisms on illegal logging activity. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Jovelito Agustin	DZJC Aksyon Radyo Laoag as broadcaster	June 15 or 16 Boundary of Laoag and Bacarra, Ilocos Norte	Agustin, 37, was gunned down by two men on motorcycles while on his way home; reportedly over his criticisms against corruption. Nephew injured. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nestor Bedolido	Mt. Apo Current and Kastigador weekly as reporter, columnist	June 19 Digos	Assassinated allegedly over criticisms against a politician. Case underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR
Jose Daguio	Former journalist based in Kalinga Former DZRK Radyo ng Bayan broadcaster; former reporter-commentator of a Radyo Natin station; retired columnist of a provincial daily	July 3 Tabuk, Kalinga	Daguio, 75, was shot dead while having a dinner in his home. The police claimed he was killed by cattle rustlers he had exposed. Five suspects were later charged for the murder, including an arrested suspected gunman, another, Lando Bilog, who was found dead in the Kalinga–Isabela border before arrest warrants were about to be issued, and Edmund Bilog, who was convicted of homicide by the Roxas, Isabela RTC on Dec. 8, 2017.
Miguel "Mike" Belen	Volunteer field reporter at DWEB-fm (Nabua)	Attack: July 9 Nabua, Camarines Sur Death: July 31 Iriga, same province	Belen, 48, was shot by motorcycle-riding men while on his way home to Iriga. 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 the Iriga RTC and sentenced to a 40-year prison term; another is an NPA member. This was cited in a 2013 report by PCIJ as the only case in the first six months of the Aquino III administration and considered work-related.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Edilberto Cruz	Publisher-editor of the defunct Salida tabloid (Nueva Ecija)	Aug. 1 Cabanatuan	Shot while driving a motorcycle. Murder charges were later filed against a freelance female broadcaster, who was his partner and co-worker.
Edison Flameniana Sr.	Mindanao Inquirer columnist	Dec. 10 Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur	Shot dead

2011

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Gerardo "Doc Gerry" Ortega	Commentator and daily talk show anchor at RMN–DWAR Environmentalist	Jan. 24 Puerto Princesa	Murdered by a lone gunman in a store, after his broadcast. 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 the issuance of an arrest warrant; as well as self-confessed assailant Marlon Recamata who, in May 2013, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Mastermind/s remain at large.	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
Antonio Silagon	Bohol Balita Daily News tabloid publisher	December Trinidad, Bohol	Killed. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR
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	Shot dead by a gunman while driving his car.	NUJP
Marlina/Maria Len Flores–Sumera	DZME anchor President of a homeowners' group	Mar. 24 Malabon	Shot dead by a gunman near her house while on her way to her work. Sumera was president of a homeowners' group which was involved in land disputes, which she also covered in her program. She had received threats allegedly from another group in the said city. In April, charges were filed against four alleged members of the Partisanong Armadong Operatiba ng Partidong Marxista-Leninista ng Pilipinas who were identified as suspects. Suspects remain at-large.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Romeo (Romy) Olea	DWEB-fm program host (commentator and reporter)	June 13 Iriga, 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 was classified as a cold case because of lack of information for possible suspects.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Johnson Pascual	Based in Maddela, Quirino; acting editor-in-chief and columnist for the now-defunct FICO's Prime News, columnist of a local weekly Northeast Journal Branch manager of the First Isabela Cooperative (FICO) Bank in the same municipality	October Alicia, Isabela	Shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men while driving a van from Alicia to Cauayan. The motive was said related to his work as a bank manager. A suspect was arrested in Oct. 2012 for the murder.

2012

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Aldion Layao	DXRP blocktimer; also worked in GMA Super Radyo Davao Barangay chairman	Apr. 8 Davao City	Shot by motorcycle-riding assassins inside his car while on his way home from work. A suspect was identified.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Christopher Guarin	Publisher in local Tatak News and (blocktime) commentator also worked in Radyo Mo Nationwide and RGMA Super Radyo	Jan. 5 General Santos	Shot by a gunman on a motorcycle who fired at his car.	NUJP CPJ
Nestor Libaton	Catholic-run DXHM anchor	May 8 Mati, Davao Oriental	Shot dead by unknown motorcycle-riding assailants as he was leaving for Tarragona, Davao Oriental. No motive was found. Case underwent trial.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Rommel "Jojo" Palma	DXMC Bombo Radyo reporter and driver	Apr. 30 Koronadal, South Cotabato	Killed. No case filed yet.	NUJP CMFR
Julius Cauzo	Political commentator and program host at DWJJ-am Vice president of the Nueva Ecija Press Club	Nov. 8 Cabanatuan	Murdered by a motorcycle-riding gunman reportedly while on his way back to the studios of his station. Cauzo was said to have received several death threats. Despite 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, there was 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. The motive remains unknown and no arrests were made.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nixon Cua	Pilipino Star Ngayon	July 22		NUJP
Eddie Jesus Apostol	DXND	Sep 1		CPJ

2013

The International News Safety Institute (INSI) reported that a total of 14 journalists died; the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) documented 13 cases, nine of them targeted killings. Another four, died on duty at radio stations as super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit Tacloban, were also included by INSI and IFJ, which categorized them as accidental deaths. On the other hand, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said ten other media workers remained missing and were presumed dead.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch reported only 12 killed journalists.

Name	Profile	Attack/death	Notes	Sources	Refs.
Dr. Edgardo Adajar	Hot FM 101.5 blocktimer	January San Pablo, Laguna	Killed. Two accused were identified. Case filed, suspects at large by Nov. 2014.	NUJP CMFR
Richard Kho	All were from the weekly tabloid Aksyon Ngayon: Kho: staff member and columnist Loreto: publisher and columnist	July 30 Quezon City	Kho, 47, and Loreto, 59, were fatally shot by two assailants on motorcycles outside a convenience store. On Oct. 23, 2014, Benji Bate, entering into a plea bargaining, pleaded guilty before the Quezon City RTC for the killing. Other suspect remains at large	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Bonifacio Loreto Jr.				NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Mario Vendiola Baylosis	Announcer and presenter at 101.7 FM Radyo Natin and DXNC Radyo Suhnan	Apr. 22 Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay	Baylosis, 33, was killed by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen. He had received a threat.	NUJP CPJ IFJ
Miguelito "Mike" Rueras	DYDD El Nuevo Bantay Radyo correspondent	June 2 Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate	No case filed as suspect later found killed.	CMFR
Mario Sy	Freelance photojournalist; regular contributor for daily local tabloid Sapol News Bulletin	Aug. 1 General Santos	Sy, 53, was shot by unidentified gunmen who had entered his home. Case underwent investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Fernando "Nanding" Solijon	Commentator and host at DXLS Love Radio Iligan	Aug. 29 Iligan	Shot while leaving a friend's house and crossing a street by an assailant, who later escaped on an accomplice's motorcycle. A critic of corruption and crime in the city, he had received threats; motive reportedly may be political. Case filed; suspect remains at large; other suspect found dead.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Vergel Bico	Calapan-based; editor and publisher of the weekly Kalahi; editor of Bandera Pilipino	Sept. 4 Calapan, Oriental Mindoro	Bico, 40 or 41, was shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants. He had written on several issues, particularly the drug trade. Case underwent investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Jesus "Jessie" Tabanao	Program anchor and reporter at DYRC Radyo Calungsod Former Bombo Radyo assistant station manager; information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Region 7	Sept. 14 Cebu City	Tabanao, 35, was shot by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman who remain. Classified as work-related as he had reported on the illegal drug trade.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Later cases cited.
Joash (Joas) Dignos	Program host at DXGT Radyo Abante (Maramag)	Nov. 29 Valencia, Bukidnon	Shot dead by four assailants in a gathering in front of a building. He was a critic of some politicians and government officials; attack was linked to his commentary. Suspects remain at large; case was filed against one of them.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ
Michael [Diaz] Milo Other records: Michael "Mike" Melo	National supervisor and commentator for DXFM Prime FM 99.1 (Tandag) and program host; managing editor for Prime Balita	Dec. 6 Tandag, Surigao del Sur	Shot dead by gunmen; attack was linked to his commentary. Murder charges were later filed against eight suspects including the victim's wife, a police officer, and four unidentified, including the gunman. Family problems were said to be the motive.	NUJP IFJ
Rogelio "Tata" Butalid Other records: Rogelio Butalib	Blocktime commentator for 107.9 Radyo Natin Tagum Former broadcaster in DXDN; village councilor	Dec. 11 Tagum, Davao del Norte	Shot dead by one of unidentified motorcycle-riding men shortly after he concluded his program, which had tackled local issues, particularly corruption. This was linked to his criticisms, particularly issues in the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO). A mayor was implicated and was said to had directed a "death squad". No action was taken against him and his accomplices.	NUJP CMFR CPJ IFJ

Journalists killed during Typhoon Haiyan

Eight media practitioners were among those who died as Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit Tacloban on November 8; four of them in the line of duty.

Several local media stations and offices in the city were destroyed by the storm.

Journalists and media workers who died or went missing during Typhoon Haiyan

Name	Profile	Notes	Refs.
Four radio broadcasters died in line of duty, as their stations went off the air during news coverages.
Archie (Archi) Globio	Announcers & reporters at DYBR Apple Radio Tacloban	Both died as their station was hit by storm surges. Globio though, was reported missing (as of early December).
Malou Realino
Allan Medino	From DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban: Medino: technician Viñas: Anchor/reporter Viñas was also the vice president of the Samar Island Press Club.	Their station office, located near the sea, was damaged, mainly by a storm surge. Medino was found inside the station's announcer's booth. Viñas was last seen at the station's door; confirmed dead though still missing (as of 2015). Two family members of their personnel were killed as well.
Ronald Viñas
Four other journalists died in the aftermath, from complications of their diseases.
Ariel Aguillon	Bombo Radyo Tacloban technician	Reportedly buried at Palo, Leyte.
Gregorio Caing	EV Mail
Rolie Montilla	Eastern Times
Dindo Ortiza	Leyte Samar Daily Express
Deaths or disappearances: On and after November 8, 2013 Tacloban
Sources: NUJP, CMFR, CPJ, IFJ

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, Cavite	Had been working as a radio blocktimer a few weeks when was shot by two unidentified men in her house. A feud with a police officer was said to be a possible motive. Case underwent investigation.	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.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Samuel "Sammy" Oliverio	Program host in DXDS Radyo Ukay, owned by UM Broadcasting Network, and Supreme Radio	May 23 Digos	Fatally shot by two motorcycle-riding attackers while driving home. Police confirmed his death was work-related and politically motivated. Case underwent preliminary investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ
Nilo Baculo Sr.	DWIM Radyo Mindoro	June 9 Calapan, Oriental Mindoro	Case underwent investigation.	NUJP CMFR CPJ

2015

The CPJ excluded the country on its list of those twenty deadliest for journalists after eight years. It recorded at least seven media killings that year, though reportedly, none of them were work-related. In contrast, the CMFR said that nine journalists were killed; at least three of them work-related: Ybañez, Escanilla, and Maestrado.

• Nerlita "Nerlie" Ledesma, Abante tabloid reporter based in Balanga, Bataan, was shot and killed by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen on January 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 local 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, Davao del Norte on August 18. He had been writing a column about an ongoing dispute between two DANECO factions; in that conflict he was involved.
• Teodoro Escanilla, program anchor at a local radio station (DZMS), chairperson of a local workers' organization and spokesperson of human rights group Karapatan, was shot by two gunmen outside his home in Barcelona, Sorsogon on Aug. 19. It was believed that his commentaries and being an activist are the possible motives.
• Cosme [Diaz] Maestrado, commentator at a local radio station (DXOC), was shot dead in front of a shopping center in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental on Aug. 27. He had received death threats; he survived an assassination attempt in 2011.
• Jose Bernardo, broadcaster (DWBL & DWIZ; Bandera Pilipino), was killed in Quezon City on Oct. 31. The motive is unclear.

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 and provincial board Member; killed in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Motive is inconclusive. He had been critical of the 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. 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 was possibly due to his personal affairs and activities. An arrest warrant was issued by the Tacurong RTC against one of the two accused.
• Christopher (Chris) Iban Lozada of DXBF–Prime Broadcasting Network, murdered on Oct. 24 in Bislig, 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 said to be 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; killed in February in M'lang, Cotabato.

Other non-work-related cases include:

• Michael Marasigan (retired journalist, former reporter and editor of BusinessWorld; independent producer for the Living Asia Channel; public relations person): With his brother, died when attacked by two unknown motorcycle-riding gunmen in San Juan on Aug. 3. Case endorsed for investigation by early 2020.
• Alexi Bolongaita, 29 (89.1 Power FM disc jockey): Shot dead inside her home at Cebu City on Sept. 21. A suspect, who was arrested in a hospital a few hours later, admitted to the crime and was charged with robbery and homicide and was arraigned in court. Case classified as non-work-related.

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, was riding a pedicab on Apr. 30 in Dumaguete 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 been arrested in 2014 in Tanjay. Murder charges were filed twice in 2018 against the three. The first, supported by various evidence, was withdrawn by Sestoso's widow; the second was dismissed for lack of evidence. One of the suspects, Richard Bustamante Jr., died in a shooting incident in La Libertad later that 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. 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) and DNPRC president, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants on June 7 in Panabo, 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 was raffled at the Legazpi RTC. Case is pending in court.
• Gabriel Alburo, announcer of DYJL-fm Like Radio Guihulngan, candidate for councilor in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; shot to death on 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.

Non-work-related cases include:

• Jessie M. Cano, 50 (administrative aide at the government-owned DXSO Radyo Pilipinas Marawi; Army Reservist): Shot dead by unknown assailants as he arrived home in a village inside the Mindanao State University Campus in Marawi, Lanao del Sur on June 23. Several possible angles were seen, including his work with the military, making him a possible target of Islamic State sympathizers.
• Manny Lacsamana, 51 (contributor to the regional monthly The Media Messenger; chairman of the board of a provincial chapter of the Central Luzon Media Association; businessman and property developer): Shot by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen, died upon arrival in a hospital in Cabanatuan on June 23. The murder was reportedly related to his work as a property developer and occurred over quarrying issues in Nueva Ecija.
• Julius Barellano, 35 (volunteer reporter for 101.5 Radyo Bandera Sweet FM Bacolod, disc jockey at Brigada News FM San Carlos, Negros Occidental; chairman of a local chapter of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers in San Carlos): Died on June 27 after being shot by one of two unknown motorcycle-riding assailants in front of his house in San Carlos while leaving. A personal grudge was revealed as the motive because of an argument between the victim and suspect.
• 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.
• Celso Amo, 66 (Bicol correspondent of The Philippine Star, Philippine News Agency stringer, also worked for the defunct Philippine Journal; editor-in-chief of government publication The Windows; former regional information officer of the Philippine Information Agency): stabbed to death at a basketball court in Daraga, Albay on Nov. 11 following an argument. Adam Johnson Abanes, charged with homicide, later pleaded guilty of death by tumultuous affray through the plea bargain and was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Legazpi RTC in 2021.

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. His death in what appeared as robbery with homicide is not work-related.
• Francisco Patindol (DXJM-FM Butuan daily program blocktime commentator, former program director of its sister station DXCO-AM Opol, Misamis Oriental; local coordinator of the Abante Mindanao partylist): On Apr. 20, he was stabbed by a drunk jeepney dispatcher who had got into an argument with him and his companion outside a photocopying center in Butuan; he managed to walk to a nearby hospital where he later died.
• 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, Cotabato. He was critical of the Kapa investment scam in his commentaries over his program, which was later said as the motive for the killing. A suspect-turned-eyewitness identified a local Kapa leader, who was also a local broadcaster, as the mastermind. In late 2019, three other suspects were indicted for the murder in the Kidapawan RTC. The request of CMFR and NUJP for the transfer of case, which would be heard by the Davao City RTC, was granted by the Supreme Court in 2021. In March 2024, one of the suspects, also a broadcaster of Radyo Natin FM Kidapawan, was acquitted; the suspected gunman was arrested in April 2024, while the rest remain at large.
• Dindo Generoso, DYEM-FM Bai Radio, died in November in Dumaguete. Charges were filed against suspect/s; case is pending in court.
• Benjie Caballero, Radyo ni Juan, died in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

2020s

2020

• Cornelio Pepino, Original Energy 93.7 FM, murdered in May in Dumaguete.
• Jobert Bercasio, Balangibog, murdered Sep 14 in Sorsogon City.
• 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 allegation.

2021

• Renante Cortes, dyRB, murdered July 22
• Orlando "Dondon" Dinoy; Newsline Philippines, Energy FM; died Oct 30
• Jesus "Jess" Malabanan (Manila Standard, Manila Times, Bandera) was fatally shot in his home in Samar on Dec. 8. He went into hiding after receiving threats three years prior while he was based in Pampanga.

2022

Six killings, all against radio journalists, took place. The murders of Estrada, Gempesaw, Blanco and Mabasa are unsolved by August 2023, according to CPJ. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists documented four of these cases.

• Jaynard Angeles, killed Jan. 12
• Audrey Estrada was killed in Lanao del Norte on Mar. 17.
• Jhannah Villegas (Sagad & Bugso, Radyo Ukay and Energy FM 106.7) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her home in Maguindanao on Apr. 15. She had reportedly received threats due to her criticisms.
• Federico "Ding" Gempesaw, political commentator and daily blocktime program host at Radyo Natin 106.3 FM Cagayan de Oro, died immediately after being shot by two masked men in front of his residence on June 29. An arrest warrant was later issued by the Misamis Oriental RTC Branch 39 against the suspects; the alleged gunman, was arrested by the police on Oct. 31, 2023; another is still at large.
• Renato (Rey) Blanco, broadcaster for Power 102.1 DYRY RFM in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, was declared dead on arrival in a local hospital in the town after being stabbed in an altercation at a house on Sept. 18. The killing was considered by the NUJP as work-related.
• Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa, commentator and program host at DWBL 1242, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants outside a village in Las Piñas on Oct. 3. A critic of the national government, he was known for criticizing political issues, particularly red-tagging and harassment against a Manila judge. Eleven people were later indicted as principals, including two former Bureau of Corrections officials who are the alleged masterminds in the killing of Mabasa and alleged middleman Jun Villamor: deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, reportedly died in March 2024; and chief Gerald Bantag, who is still at large. Through plea bargaining, Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman who claimed that the plot came from the New Bilibid Prison, as well as four of the five inmates, later pleaded guilty and were given lower prison sentences by the RTC.

2023

The following are based on media reports:

• Cresenciano Bunduquin, 50, program host at DWXR-fm Kalahi Radio, was killed by two motorcycle-riding perpetrators outside his home in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro on May 31. One of the suspects died after being hit by a vehicle while fleeing; another, an alleged gunman, was taken into custody of the NBI–National Capital Region prior to his arrest in July. The case was filed before the Calapan RTC Branch 39.
• Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang, 32, blocktime program host at Gabay Radio 97.7 FM, an Islamic preacher and member of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta', was killed by a gunman in Cotabato City on August 21. PTFoMS clarified later that he was not a journalist but an Islamic scholar (ustadz) invited by the station as guest. Possible motives being investigated are politics and personal issues.
• Juan Jumalon, 57, broadcaster at Gold FM 94.7 Calamba, was killed by two gunmen who entered his home and radio booth in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, while he was on air. The killing was caught on a livestream. Four possible motives being investigated include a land dispute. Three suspects were arrested in early 2024, including the suspected gunman in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte on April 29; charges for murder and theft against them are yet to be formally filed at the judicial court. Another, reportedly a possible suspect, had been apprehended in an anti-drug operation.

2024

The following is based on media reports:

• Maria Vilma Rodriguez, 56, program anchor at 105.9 eMedia, and former volunteer reporter at Brigada News FM, as well as a village secretary, was fatally shot by her nephew outside a store near her home in Zamboanga City on October 22. The police, clarifying that it is not work-related, said that the motive was allegedly a land dispute. The suspect was apprehended the next day.

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.