Albay radio broadcaster shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — A radio broadcaster from Albay was shot dead Friday morning by unidentified assailants.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Joey Llana, a blocktimer of radio station dwZR in Legazpi City, was killed as he was leaving his home in Brgy. Penafrancia, Daraga at around 4 a.m.

The victim was on his way to host his program, Metrobanat, when he was ambushed.

Reports said that Llana was shot 14 times with .45 caliber and 9mm pistols. The police have yet to determine the motive for his killing.

“If proven to be related to his work, his death would be the 12th media killing under President Rodrigo Duterte,” NUJP said.

Last month, Dennis Denora, a community paper publisher from Davao del Norte also died from a gun attack.

The Philippines ranked 133rd out of the 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders’ 2018 World Press Freedom index, falling six notches from 127th in 2017.

It is also the deadliest country in Asia for journalists.

READ: Philippines down 6 notches on World Press Freedom Index