Philip Agustin

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.

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

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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 10, 2005
Posted: May 12, 2005

Philip Agustin, Starline Times Recorder
KILLED, CONFIRMED

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.