Four journalists killed, six missing in Philippine storm

Bangkok, November 15, 2013–Four journalists were killed and six others reported missing in the typhoon that struck the central Philippines on November 8, according to news reports and local press groups.

“We are saddened by the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and express our deep condolences to the friends, families, and colleagues of the brave journalists who perished while covering the disaster,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative. “CPJ also expresses its grave concern for those journalists reported missing.”

Ronald Vinas and Allan Medino, a reporter and technician for dyVL Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban, were killed when a storm surge inundated their seaside radio station office in Tacloban City’s coastal Poblacion area, according to local reports. Their news program went off the air while they were providing news updates on the typhoon, the reports said.

Archie Globio and Malou Realino, both reporters for dyBR Apple Radio Tacloban, were also killed while covering the storm disaster, according to local reports and information compiled from the National Union of Journalists Philippines, a local journalist group.

At least six other journalists were reported missing as of November 15, according to information compiled by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, a Manila-based press freedom organization. They include dyBR Apple Radio Tacloban news anchors Babay Jaca, Jun Estoya, and Lulu Palencia; dyDW Radyo Diwa Tacloban reporter Jasmine Bonifacio; and Leyte-Samar Daily Express newspaper reporter Sarwell Meniano.

Several local radio stations and newspaper bureaus in Tacloban City were destroyed by the storm, according to news reports. An estimated 2,300 people have perished and over 11 million have been adversely affected, according to reports citing official government and United Nations statistics.