MANILA (UCAN): Veteran Philippine commentator, Reynante “Rey” Cortes, was shot dead outside the DYRB-AM radio station in Cebu City, Cebu, after finishing his early morning programme on July 22. Cortes was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Two men reportedly approached him on a motorcycle at about 9.00am. One of them shot him in the chest before they made their escape.
Cortes’ radio technician said no one heard the shot and staff were told about what had happened by bystanders who witnessed the shooting.
Police have yet to establish a motive for his murder, which drew swift condemnation.
The Union of Journalists in the Philippines described Cortes’ killing as an attack against press freedom.
“We … demand justice for his death. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident,” it said in a statement, adding that Cortes had survived a previous attempt on his life.
“Attacks against journalists and media workers continue to rise and are being normalised simply for fulfilling our duties as watchdogs of society,” it added.
There have been at least 223 attacks on and threats made against members of the media during the administration of the president, Rodrigo Duterte, and more than 170 journalists have been killed since 1986, according to the group.
“The Philippines ranks 136th out of 180 countries on the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, which shows the state of press freedom in this country under the Duterte regime,” said a member of the group who wished to remain anonymous.
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Father Flavie Villanueva, of the Society of Divine Word, condemned the killing, saying that more will occur if peace-loving leaders are not elected in next year’s polls.
“Killings will continue if our leaders do not change the climate of violence and impunity in the Philippines,” Father Villanueva said.
He stressed that although there is a risk in telling the truth, Catholics must believe that truth and justice will prevail in the end.
“It is disheartening at times when evil seems to overpower good. But let us not lose hope. Divine justice will still prevail no matter what,” Father Villanueva added.
