
Radio journalist shot dead in Bislig, Surigao del Sur
The motive and identity of the person who attacked Erwin Segovia, 63, were not immediately known.
Segovia, who tackled "social issues, local governance, and community concerns" in his popular morning show, was shot dead shortly after he stepped out of Radio WOW in the city of Bislig on Mindanao island.
The gunman was one of two suspects seen by witnesses on a motorcycle, according to a presidential task force investigating attacks on journalists.
With 147 journalist killings between 1998 and 2024, the New York-based industry watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists describes the Philippines as among six "consistently deadly" countries for journalists.
Last month, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) reported the fatal shooting in General Santos City of former radio broadcaster Ali Macalintal, which it said "may be connected to the victim's previous work in media."
Most of the slain journalists in the Philippines are based in provincial areas where they run the risk of angering powerful personalities through their coverage.
Few suspects are prosecuted and convicted.
In 2009, 58 media workers were abducted and murdered in Mindanao by members of a powerful political clan while covering a local election contest.
Key members of the clan were convicted of multiple murders a decade later.
"The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern," PTFoMS Executive Director Jose Torres said in a statement Monday. — Agence France-Presse

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GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
P2M reward for info on broadcaster's killing
Local officials of Surigao del Sur are offering a P2 million reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of radio broadcaster Erwin Segovia in Bislig City. The reward money are from the former mayor of Cantilan town, congressional office of Surigao del Sur, and the provincial government. In a statement, Governor Johnny Pimentel said he and Congressman Alexander Pimentel are offering the reward money in pursuit of justice and in solidarity with the victim's family. 'The entire province of Surigao del Sur mourns the tragic and senseless killing of Mr. Boy Segovia, a dedicated member of the local media and a fellow Surigaonon,' the governor said. The governor said he is working closely with authorities to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. 'Violence, especially against those who serve the public by shedding light on truth, has no place in our province or anywhere in our nation. This senseless act must not go unpunished,' the governor said. Segovia, a host of a radio program that tackles social issues, local governance, and community concerns, was shot dead in Barangay Mangagoy on Monday, July 21, 2025. Police said the victim had just finished his program and was heading home on board his motorcycle when motorcycle-riding gunmen followed him and shot him at close range. Segovia sustained gunshot wounds in the head. 'Siya yung biktima at yung 2 unidentified suspect riding also a motorcycle kagagaling niya doon sa station, wherein doon siya nakastation, binaril sa head. Causing his instantaneous death yung pagbaril sa ulo niya,' Police Regional Office-Caraga Spokesperson, Major Jenifer Ometer, said. Authorities activated the special investigation task group (SITG) Segovia to fast track the investigation. The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office also assured the public that it is coordinating with the local government units in the province to locate the suspects. 'Hinihikayat natin yung mga nakakita na at least maidentify man lang natin ang mga suspek,' Ometer added.


GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Radio journalist shot dead in Bislig, Surigao del Sur
A radio broadcaster was shot and killed in the city of Bislig, Surigao del Sur on Monday, the government said, adding to a long tally of media workers slain in a country ranked among the most dangerous for journalists. The motive and identity of the person who attacked Erwin Segovia, 63, were not immediately known. Segovia, who tackled "social issues, local governance, and community concerns" in his popular morning show, was shot dead shortly after he stepped out of Radio WOW in the city of Bislig on Mindanao island. The gunman was one of two suspects seen by witnesses on a motorcycle, according to a presidential task force investigating attacks on journalists. With 147 journalist killings between 1998 and 2024, the New York-based industry watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists describes the Philippines as among six "consistently deadly" countries for journalists. Last month, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) reported the fatal shooting in General Santos City of former radio broadcaster Ali Macalintal, which it said "may be connected to the victim's previous work in media." Most of the slain journalists in the Philippines are based in provincial areas where they run the risk of angering powerful personalities through their coverage. Few suspects are prosecuted and convicted. In 2009, 58 media workers were abducted and murdered in Mindanao by members of a powerful political clan while covering a local election contest. Key members of the clan were convicted of multiple murders a decade later. "The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern," PTFoMS Executive Director Jose Torres said in a statement Monday. — Agence France-Presse


GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Quiboloy's bail petition denied by Pasig court
A Pasig court has denied the petitions for bail filed by detained Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused for his qualified trafficking for sexual abuse and labor exploitation case. In a 23-page order dated July 20, the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 denied the petition separately filed by Quiboloy, Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada. 'At this juncture, the prosecution has sufficiently shown that the evidence of guilt against all the accused is strong on the two crimes of qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate,' the court said. 'Thus, given these pieces of evidence against all the accused at this point which establish a great presumption of guilt for purposes of bail, the Court must deny their petitions for bail,' it added. The Court, however, stressed that the resolution does not determine the ultimate outcome of the cases. 'The Court is merely tasked with resolving the Petitions for Bail filed by all the accused, and not with rendering a judgment on the merits of the case. There remains a long process ahead, and both parties have the opportunity to present further evidence,' it said. GMA News Online has asked Quiboloy's camp for comment. Meanwhile, the camp of the complainant welcomed the court's ruling. 'We are so happy and grateful that the Petition for Bail of Quiboloy et al has been denied, meaning that the Honorable Court found that the evidence of guilt is strong,' private prosecutor Atty. Joahna Paula Domingo when asked for comment. 'We are hopeful that justice is within reach,' she added. Quiboloy is facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended. The Davao City-based religious leader is also facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act with a QC court. —VAL, GMA Integrated News