The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the killing of another media worker in Zamboanga City, who was attacked just a few meters away from her house on 22 October 2024.
Ma. Vilma Rodriguez, a media worker affiliated with eMedia Productions, was shot three times by a riding-in-tandem assailant. She managed to walk home and inform her daughter about the attack, but was later declared dead at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
Rodriguez was known for her role in the Barangay Affairs radio program, which tackles various issues concerning local communities. She was also a community leader, serving as the barangay secretary and was heavily involved in local affairs.
The CHR was notified of the attack on Rodriguez through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism—an initiative launched by the Commission to provide a direct line of communication for media workers to report attacks against media and any incidents that threaten their safety.
We have deployed a Quick Response Operation (QRO) team as part of our independent probe into the matter.
We urge law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the attack on Rodriguez. The CHR stands ready to collaborate in this effort as part of a collective approach toward protecting press freedom.
The Commission remains firm in its stance that any harmful acts committed against media workers, moreso a woman, is a direct threat to our democracy. As the 2025 midterm polls approach, the crucial role of the media becomes even more apparent in ensuring the effective flow of information to all constituents and voters in the country.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR is steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the rights and welfare of all media workers in the Philippines. In upholding press freedom, it is imperative that we ensure all members of the media can safely carry out their duties without fear for their lives. ###