UNESCO condemns killing of Philippine radio journalist
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 21 October 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UNESCO condemns killing of Philippine radio journalist, 21 October 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ea691bd2.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Roy Bagtikan Gallego was shot dead last Friday in the town of Lianga as he was about to launch a new programme on the station known as 92.7 Smile FM San Francisco, according to a statement issued by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The agency's Director-General Irina Bokova condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation, noting that the crime impinged on the entire society's freedom of exImpunity for those who use gun power to silence debate and possible dissent must be stopped for the Philippines to benefit from the essential contribution of free and independent media to democracy and rule of law.pression.
"Impunity for those who use gun power to silence debate and possible dissent must be stopped for the Philippines to benefit from the essential contribution of free and independent media to democracy and rule of law," she said.
UNESCO said Mr. Gallego, who was also a Manobo indigenous community leader, "had campaigned against mining operators, claiming that their activities violated the rights of indigenous people in the region."
