The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has undertaken an independent motu propio investigation, through its Region VII office, on the latest case of media killing—the stabbing of Renato Blanco, a radio broadcaster for POWER 102.1 DYRY RFM in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on the evening of 18 September 2022.

The Commission decries this incident and notes the swift response of the Police Regional Office 7 in arresting the suspect. We call for speedy justice on this case and other rights violations and attacks against members of the press.

We call on the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to extend his commitment in upholding human rights to the protection of media in the country so they may carry out their work freely and safely.

CHR stresses the undeniable role of media in helping citizens receive accurate and timely information crucial to the realisation of rights of every Filipino. Attacks against a free press impacts the human rights situation in the country. We look forward to the resolution of this case, alongside other rights violations committed in the country, for the sake of justice and curbing impunity. ###