The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will be conducting a motu propio investigation into the killing of Sultan Kudarat-based radio commentator Jaynard Angeles who was shot dead by still-unidentified assailants at Purok Sampaguita, Barangay New Carmen in Tacurong City this Wednesday morning, 12 January 2022.
The victim, known for his hard-hitting commentaries on the ‘Tinig ng Bayan’ program on Radyo ni Juan, is also a candidate for this year’s national polls as councilor in the Lambayong town in Sultan Kudarat.
It is concerning how this incident has occurred just days after the start of the official election season on 09 January 2022. Election-related violence and the killing of journalists create a chilling effect on Philippine society and prevents the peaceful discourse of ideas in the runup towards elections.
CHR is appalled with this incident and stands with the media community in denouncing this killing.
We urge the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to take cognizance of this incident and exert all efforts, together with the Philippine National Police, to expedite the investigation of this crime, and urgently address and anticipate media harassment and election-related violence as we near election day. #ItigilAngPatayan