Radio blocktimer shot dead in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a radio broadcaster in Valencia City in Bukidnon Friday night.

Valencia City police chief Inspector Roy Magsalay said Joas Dignos, 48, a commentator on dxGT radio in Maramag town also in Bukidnon, was shot outside a store along the national highway. He died on the spot from 22 gunshot wounds.

Magsalay said initial reports showed Dignos excused himself from his drinking buddies at around 9 p.m. to urinate when the gunmen pulled over and shot him.

Dignos tried to run to ask for help from his friends but the gunmen shot him again.

Dignos was known for his fiery comments regarding city officials, dxGT personnel said.

Magsalay said Dignos had been broadcasting the death threats he was receiving but did not report this to the police. He said the commentator also carried a caliber .22 pistol.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said Dignos had even stopped his live broadcasts and used recorded commentary due to safety concerns.

In June, a grenade was hurled at the dxGT station while one of Dignos’ commentaries was being aired.

“It really looks like (the killing) is work-related because he has no known enemies in his personal life, only those who objected to his program,” said  Joseph Deveza, the NUJP’s safety coordinator for Mindanao.

Dignos is the 159th media worker killed in the Philippines since 1986, according to records of the NUJP. He is the 19th journalist killed during the administration of President Aquino, NUJP added.

Dignos was formerly connected with radio stations in Cagayan de Oro City before moving to Bukidnon. –With John Unson