The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its Region VII Office is now investigating the brazen killing of Renante “Rey” Cortes, a radio commentator who was shot last Thursday morning in front of the station DYRB Radyo Pilipino after his radio program.

CHR denounces this latest violence perpetrated against the media. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident to bring justice to the victim and accountability for perpetrators involved.

Continuous media killings and harassment cannot continue nor can it be part of the new normal in today’s society. As a democratic country, the state has the utmost responsibility to protect its citizens against harm and acts of vigilante justice.

Due to the profession of the victim and possible personal conflicts in the conduct of his profession. We strongly support Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar’s call for the creation of a special investigation task group by the local police to swiftly hold to account those responsible for this reprehensible crime.

We send out our condolences to the bereaved loved ones of Mr. Cortes.###