CHR probes killing of radio commentator in Cebu

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Tuesday it had begun investigating the “brazen killing” of a radio commentator in Cebu.

Renante "Rey" Cortes was shot dead in front of the DYRB Radyo Pilipino station after his radio program last week. Cortes was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival.

“CHR denounces this latest violence perpetrated against the media. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident to bring justice to the victim and accountability for perpetrators involved,” spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said.

“Continuous media killings and harassment cannot continue nor can it be part of the new normal in today's society. As a democratic country, the state has the utmost responsibility to protect its citizens against harm and acts of vigilante justice.”

The CHR also expressed support for top cop Police General Guillermo Eleazar's order for Cebu police to create a special investigation task group that would probe Cortes’ killing.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Cebu said the shooting was the second attempt to kill Cortes.

The group also denounced the killing and “the culture of impunity that emboldens these perpetrators to commit these crimes.” — DVM, GMA News