Press Release
August 8, 2017

Poe Condemns Killing of Journalists

Senator Grace Poe condemned the recent killing of two journalists in Mindanao and exhorted authorities to conduct a thorough investigation for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Rudy Alicaway was on his way home on August 6 in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur when he was shot by two motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Alicaway, 46, was a radio anchor of Tigmo-Tigmo program at DXPB 106.9 (Radyo ng Bayan Molave). He was reportedly also a village councilman of Miligan in Molave.

Leo Diaz died from multiple gunshot wounds after being shot by a motorcycle-riding gunman after leaving his house in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat.

Diaz is a reporter of Radio Mindanao Network and columnist of Sapol Newspaper.

"The incidents bring to fore the violence and culture of impunity in the attacks against Filipino journalists," Poe said.

"The people are counting on the police and law enforcers to keep our streets safe; that criminals will be immediately hunted down and prosecuted," she added.

Poe, advocate and sponsor of the Freedom of Information bill at the Senate, said journalists should be able to work freely in an environment free from danger.

"They should be able to report stories and issues relevant to the Filipinos, and we know that journalists have risen to the occasion despite the odds," she said.

Aside from the police, the senator also called on the Presidential Task Force on Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of the Members of the Media to act with dispatch on the cases.

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