The Commission on Human Rights condemns the killing of Balangibog TV online show host in Sorsogon City, Monday night by unidentified assailants. Jobert Bercasio was onboard his scooter when he was gunned down by suspects riding in tandem at around 7:55 pm at Barangay Cabid-an. This recent killing illustrates the growing trend of harassment and violence perpetrated against media workers in the country.

CHR strongly urges the government to act on this case to attain justice for the deceased and to ensure that further steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our journalists and media workers.

The freedom of expression which includes the freedom of the press is a constitutionally protected right which guarantees the right of individuals to publish or utter freely without previous restraint. It is the basic foundation of a democratic country and free media. The continuing harassment and killings of media professional is concerning as it hampers the publication of information depriving the Filipino citizenry of access to much-needed information while creating a continuing culture of impunity.

In the pursuit of justice, the Commission through the CHR Regional Office V has sent a team to investigate the incident and will coordinate with local authorities to hold the perpetrators behind this crime to account. CHR also sends it condolences to the bereaved loved ones of Bercasio.