CHR condemns radio broadcaster slay in Dumaguete, calls for ‘swift investigation’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday condemned the killing of a radio broadcaster in Dumaguete City and called for a “swift investigation” on the matter.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline De Guia said that the killing of DYMD Energy 93.7 FM radio broadcaster Cornelio Pepino, also known as “Rex Cornelio”, as well as similar attacks to journalists, “send a chilling effect and cultivate a culture of fear and silence among media workers.”

Pepino was gunned down by motorcycle riding men along a national highway in Barangay Daro on Tuesday.

The radio broadcaster was said to be hard-hitting, as he took a stand on issues such as illegal mining, graft and corruption, and poor governance.

The commission said that Pepino is the third radio broadcaster to be killed in Dumaguete City since 2018.

“Journalists deserve utmost protection for they fuel our democracy,” De Guia said. “Without the information, education, and truth-probing enabled by a free press, other freedoms we enjoy may be in peril.”

“A swift investigation should be done to ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” she added.

Meanwhile, De Guia said that CHR-Region VII will “will investigate and monitor the resolution of the case to its just end.”

“To ensure long-term protection for members of the press, we reiterate our call to the government to establish safeguards to prevent further media attacks,” the CHR spokesperson expressed.