New York, January 20, 2006—Unidentified gunmen killed radio broadcaster and political publicist Rolly Cañete today in the southern Philippine city of Pagadian. The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating whether he was killed in connection with his work as a journalist
International news reports said the attackers fled on a motorcycle. Police are investigating the motive for the attack.
Cañete was a part-time broadcaster on three radio stations, two of which are controlled by congressman Antonio Cerilles and his wife provincial governor Aurora Cerilles, the reports said. Both politicians employed Cañete as their publicist.
Despite a robust and critical press the Philippines is a deadly place for journalists with 22 journalists killed since 2000.