Filipino radio journalist Mario Vendiola Baylosis was shot three times and killed by two motorcycle gunmen yesterday (22 April) in the town of Kabasalan, in the southern province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Baylosis, 33, who worked at the Radio Natin, was on his way home from hosting his morning show. Police believe the gunmen tailed him.
"These kinds of attacks against members of the media are rooted in a culture of impunity in the Philippines, where killers of journalists are rarely brought to justice" said Bob Dietz of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Aside from his radio show, Baylosis also worked as a news correspondent for DXNC-Radyo Suhnan in the municipality of Siay. It is unclear whether Baylosis had covered any sensitive stories prior to his death.
CPJ research shows that at least 73 Filipino journalists have been killed since 1992, making the Philippines the second deadliest country in the world for the press.
Sources: Mindanao Examiner/CPJ
