Klein Cantoneros

By Ann Cooper

PHILIPPINES

The epidemic of murderous attacks on the Philippine press corps finally forced the government to reverse its longtime denial of the problem and to step up efforts to combat the violence. Some limited progress in law enforcement, a landmark conviction in one murder case, and growing support for broadcast reforms could signal a change for the better for the Philippine press.

Here are the Philippine journalists killed in connection with their work since 2000, as documented by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Behind the Rising Death Toll of Radio Broadcasters in the Phillipines

New York, July 5, 2005—A radio commentator was ambushed and shot at least 15 times by a gang of motorcycle-riding assailants while driving home on the southern island of Mindanao on Sunday. Rolando "Dodong" Morales, who died at the scene, had just finished hosting his weekly program on radio dxMD in General Santos City.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by the fatal attack, and is investigating the circumstances behind the killing to determine whether it was related to Morales' broadcasting. Three other journalists have been murdered in the Philippines already this year because of their work, according to CPJ research.

CPJ Update May 16, 2005 News from the Committee to Protect Journalists

Return to front page | See previous Updates

New York, NY, May 11, 2005- Last night the editor and publisher of a local community newspaper was shot and killed—the second murder of a journalist in the Philippines in less than one week.

Philip Agustin, editor and publisher of the local weekly Starline Times Recorder, was killed by a single shot to the back of the head late last night in the village of Paltic, about 70 miles northeast of the capital Manila, according to local news reports. Police said that the gunman shot Agustin, 54, through an open window in the victim's daughter's home, then fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

MAY 4, 2005
Posted: May 5, 2005

Klein Cantoneros, DXAA-FM
KILLED—UNCONFIRMED

Cantoneros, a radio broadcaster known for denouncing corruption, died after being shot as many as seven times by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Dipolog City on the southern island of Mindanao. The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating the circumstances of the case to determine whether the journalist's murder was connected to his work.

New York, May 4, 2005—A radio broadcaster known for denouncing corruption died today after being shot as many as seven times by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Dipolog City on the southern island of Mindanao. Klein Cantoneros succumbed to his injuries at around 11 p.m., according to the ABS-CBN news Web site.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating the circumstances of the case to determine whether the journalist's murder is connected to his work.