The Commission on Human Rights is alarmed by yet another brutal attack on a media professional. On Friday, 11 October 2019, a broadcaster from Davao del Norte was ambushed from behind by unidentified assailants just outside of his home. The victim has since stated that he has previously received many death threats as well. This marks another targeted attack on a media worker this year, and is part of a disturbing trend of media workers being victims of violence due to their line of work.

The media should be able to do their work as protectors of democracy and our freedoms without fear of risking their lives and the lives of those around them. Repeated harassment, intimidation, and threats cultivate an environment of fear and silence among the press. A proper, functioning democracy has a press that is unafraid to speak up and willing to hold its people accountable; this increasing threat of violence strangles our democratic institutions and ultimately harms the Philippines and its people.

CHR reiterates its call on the government to place safeguards for members of the press. Their safety must be prioritized. Aside from thoroughly investigating and giving justice to the victim in this most recent case, steps must be taken to ensure future incidents can be avoided.