Gov't condemns killing of broadcast journalist

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government today condemned the killing of a broadcast journalist in Tawi-Tawi.

Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been ordered to leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice the killers of Richard Najid, manager of radio station DXNN-FM.

"(The government) condemns the killing of Najid. The PNP has been tasked to investigate the incident and to apprehend those who are responsible for his death," Coloma said.

The 35-year-old journalist was shot dead by motorcycle gunmen in the capital town of Bongao late Sunday when he was heading home from a basketball game.

The National Union Journalists of the Philippines said Najid is the 27th mediaman killed under the government of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and the second killed in Tawi-Tawi province.