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Media Release: Philippines
May 27, 2008
IFJ Welcomes Action by Philippines Court Against Suspected Attacker
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the decision
of the Cebu Regional Trial Court to deny a bail motion by the suspected
killer of Bombo Radyo broadcaster, Herson Hinolan who died of multiple
gunshot wounds on November 15, 2004.
Hinolan, who hosted the controversial radio program Bombohanay Bigtime, was repeatedly shot by a lone gunman on November 13, 2004 near a carnival in the capital town of Kalibo, Aklan.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, the Cebu court’s decision is “a significant step towards solving the four-year-old murder case”. The decision came after a reported eyewitness account identifying former Aklan town mayor Alfredo Arcenio as the gunman. Arcenio has reportedly pleaded not guilty.
“Criminal trials against those suspected of acts of violence against journalists are a welcome step towards justice for the families concerned,” the IFJ said.
“Nevertheless, more work needs to be done to dismantle the prevailing attitude of impunity towards attackers so that all journalists in the Philippines can practice their profession without fearing their safety.”
The IFJ joins its local affiliate, the NUJP, in urging ongoing action
by local authorities and the judiciary to investigate over 80 unresolved
murder cases involving media workers since 1986.
For further information contact
IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists
in 114 countries