World Radio Day: the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries for radio journalists, with 89 killed in nearly 40 years
For World Radio Day, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is paying tribute to Filipino radio journalists, who risk their lives on a daily basis to do their job in one of the world’s most dangerous countries for media workers. President Marcos’ administration must take strong measures to ensure their safety.
Violence and intimidation are daily realities for radio journalists in the Philippines, who must constantly check if they are safe — even in their recording studios. The geographical dispersion of the archipelago’s islands has made radio a vital medium for disseminating information, particularly in remote areas. Yet this critical role comes at a high cost: according to RSF data, among the 147 journalists killed on the job since 1986, 89 were radio journalists.
"On World Radio Day, RSF salutes the courage of Filipino radio journalists, whose work is crucial to ensuring the public’s access to reliable and independent information, and who face violence every day. We call on President Bongbong Marcos and his administration to uphold its promises and take concrete measures to protect all journalists and end impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes.
Recent victims include Cresenciano Bunduquin, who was shot dead at his home in May 2023 after receiving multiple death threats due to his broadcasts on DWXR radio station. Months earlier, in October 2022, Percival Mabasa — an anchor on DWBL radio better known by his pseudonym Percy Lapid — was gunned down near his home in the outskirts of the capital, Manila. His brother, Roy, told RSF that World Radio Day is “a painful reminder that justice remains elusive.” He pointed out how Percy Lapid’s accused killer, Gerald Bantag, “remains at large — an affront to justice made even graver by the government’s apparent knowledge of his whereabouts yet failure to act.”
Impunity against crimes against journalists
The data compiled by RSF since 1986 highlights a systemic pattern of violence against radio journalists nationwide, regardless of political shifts. Despite the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in 2016, no significant progress has been made. Journalist killings continue, underscoring the authorities’ failure to protect media professionals.
Most radio journalists killed while working were investigating highly sensitive issues, including corruption and abuses within the police, military, and public administration. Organised crime and illicit activities, which are closely tied to power abuses and institutional failings, rank among the most dangerous subjects to cover. Journalists reporting on politics — particularly at the local level — or covering human rights and environmental issues, are also frequent targets of violence.
With 147 journalists murdered since the restoration of democracy in 1986, the Philippines remains one of the deadliest countries for the press. In 2024, the archipelago ranked 134th out of 180 in the RSF’s World Press Freedom Index.
