Philippines: Radio anchor shot dead during live broadcast

While the media community in the Philippines had hoped for an improved environment for journalists after the change in presidency from Rodrigo Duterte to Bongbong Marcos, the country has continued to see the regular targeting of ‘block timers’, including the shootings of radio presenters Jhannah Villegas, Federico ‘Ding’ Gempesaw, Rey Blanco and Percival ‘Percy Lapid’ Mabasa in 2022.

Jumalon becomes the second journalist to be killed in 2023, after CWXR Kalahi Radio 101.7 broadcaster Cresenciano Bundoquin was shot outside his home on May 31.

The killing comes the same week as the United Nations International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2. According to the latest Global Impunity Index 2023, the Philippines ranked as the eighth worst country when it comes to prosecuting killers of journalists.