CHR probes death of radio broadcaster in Kidapawan

Eduardo “Kabrigada Ed” Dizon. Photo courtesy of Brigada Group

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday said it has sent a team tasked to probe the death of a radio broadcaster in Kidapawan City.

CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia said the team is also tasked to coordinate with local authorities to help give justice to slain broadcaster Eduardo “Kabrigada Ed” Dizon.

“CHR Regional Office of Region XII has sent a team to investigate the incident, and will coordinate with local authorities to help bring the perpetrators to justice. CHR would also like to extend its deepest condolences to Dizon’s family and friends, and hopes that in the end justice will prevail,” De Guia said in a statement.

De Guia noted that Dizon’s death only adds to the “growing trend of harassment and violence against the country’s media” as the human rights commission urged the government to provide better protection for journalists in the country.

“The recent murder of the 97.5 Brigada News FM-Kidapawan radio station manager is another incident in the growing trend of harassment and violence against the country’s media,” De Guia said.

“CHR strongly urges the government to act on this case and bring the perpetrators to account, and to ensure that steps will be taken to ensure the further safety of our country’s journalists and media professionals,” the spokesperson added.

Further, Dizon noted that issues surrounding the practice of journalism including the deaths and harassment of journalists should be addressed.

“A media that can operate without fear of violence and suppression is a sign of a healthy, functioning democracy. The continuous rise of media killings and harassment is alarming and needs to be addressed before more lives are lost,” De Guia said.

“Freedom of the press—which includes freedom to do their work without fearing for their lives—is essentially in the expression of a people’s human rights,” De Guia added.

Dizon was shot several times by motorcycle-riding suspects while driving a car after leaving the radio station of 97.5 Brigada News FM (BNFM) Kidapawan.

The Brigada news group has been known for their hard-hitting commentaries on various issues — including the issues surrounding the Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. /je

READ: Brigada Group: ‘We won’t be intimidated by Dizon’s murder’