Canada, New Zealand air concern on killing of another PH broadcaster
Canada and New Zealand have both expressed their "grave concern" over the killing of yet another Filipino journalist.
Their embassies on Wednesday issued a joint statement, where they called for the immediate investigation into the killing of radio broadcaster Cresenciano Bunduquin.
Bunduquin was gunned down by two unidentified assailants in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday, May 31, seven months after the assassination of another broadcaster, Percival Lapid in Las Piñas City.
"Attacks on media workers must be urgently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable," the embassies of Canada and New Zealand said.
Both countries condemned the attack as they said "media freedom is an integral element of democracy."
"To safeguard it, it is essential that journalists can execute their work without fearing for their lives and safety," they said.
As co-chairs of Media Freedom Coalition, a diplomatic network of 52 countries that pledged to defend freedom of the press, Canada and New Zealand said they would "welcome swift action of law enforcement agencies to investigate Mr. Bunduquin’s death."
They also urged Philippine authorities "to take concrete steps to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice."