Top UN official deplores murder of Filipino broadcaster

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending freedom of expression and press freedom has condemned the murder of a radio broadcaster who was shot dead on his way home in Roxas City, in the Philippines.

Martin Roxas, a 32-year-old radio broadcaster and programme director of dyKR-Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was murdered on 7 August.

He had just finished his show, Targetanay sa Ugto (“Targeting at Noon”), and was on his way home when he was shot by a gunman on a motorcycle.

“The perpetrators of such crimes are undermining the fundamental human right of freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of democracy,” said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

“I trust the Philippines authorities will spare no effort in tracking the murderers of Mr. Roxas and bringing them to trial,” he added.

According to the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Mr. Roxas – who had been investigating irregularity in local government – was the fourth journalist killed this year in the country.