Another journalist assasinated in the Philippines

After Iraq, the Philippines is apparently the most dangerous country for journalists. Often the journalists are activists or thought to be supporters of the leftist insurrection although in this case there is no mention of the motive for the killing. In spite of the dangers to journalists, the Philippines has a very diversified press that certainly does not hesitate to criticise the government in the strongest terms.

DOJ orders NBI to probe latest killing of journalist
07/03/2008 08:59 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Justice department on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation into the killing of a journalist in Quezon province last Monday.Radio dzBB's Teresa Tavares reported that Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez ordered NBI director Nestor Mantaring to send a team to Quezon to look into the killing of Robert Sison.Gonzalez did not make clear if the NBI will conduct an independent investigation or support the Philippine National Police, which is already looking into the case.On Wednesday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of Sison, 60, in Sariaya town last Monday.Press Secretary Jesus Dureza also condemned the killing."We condemn in the strongest language the killing of Sison in Quezon. An investigation is being ordered to get at the perpetrators," Dureza said.Unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen killed Sison and slightly wounded one of his daughters. Another daughter escaped death by pretending to be dead.Sison was a broadcaster of radio station dzAT and a correspondent for the weekly "Regional Bulletin."New York-based media watchdog group Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the killing and pushed for a thorough investigation of the case.France-based Reporters Without Borders also said it would be a defeat for the rule of law if authorities failed to get the perpetrators. - GMANews.TV