CHR starts own probe into the killing of Pampanga-based journalist

Jess Malabanan. Image from his Facebook profile

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday launched its own independent investigation into the killing of Pampanga-based journalist, Jesus “Jess” Malabanan.

“CHR condemns this another incident of attack against a member of the media,” said CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia in a statement.

“Without bringing the perpetrators to account, this episode of violence further worsens the climate of impunity and affects the freedom of the press to conduct their work without fear” she added.

Malabanan, 58, worked as a correspondent for the Manila Standard, Bandera and Reuters before being shot dead inside their store in Calbayog, Western Samar at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to his wife, Malabanan died instantly from a headshot.

The CHR said that this is the 22nd in the list of killed journalists under the present administration.

“We urge the Philippine National Police to exert all efforts in identifying the perpetrators and ensuring justice for yet again a violation of a person’s right to life,” said De Guia.

“At the same time, we call on the government to urgently address killings and similar threats to the media, who continue to form part of the working democracy,” she added.

Meanwhile, Malacañang earlier condemned the murder, ordering its task force on media security to also investigate the killing of Malabanan.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) also earlier said in a statement that Malabanan first sought their assistance regarding his security in 2017 and was then immediately given police detail.

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