THE recent killing of Negros Occidental radio broadcaster Julito Diamante Calo shows the actual state of press freedom in the country, and highlights issues involving media safety, impunity, and the credibility of government mechanisms meant to protect the press.
The country has historically been one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.
We recall the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 where 32 media workers were killed. Because of this, every new killing is treated not as an isolated crime but as part of a pattern that indicates weak protection for the media sector.
Many of the journalists killed in the Philippines are not national personalities but local radio commentators who often name local officials on air, expose criminal activity, and take strong political positions.
Because they operate in smaller communities, suspects are often powerful local figures.
The killing of a radio broadcaster in Negros Occidental fits this pattern, which is why press groups usually treat such incidents as indicators of broader risks to media workers.
Why is the latest media killing considered a threat to press freedom? When a journalist is killed, the impact goes beyond the individual victim.
Attacks on journalists create a chilling effect, meaning other reporters may avoid sensitive topics out of fear for their own safety.
This is especially true in provincial areas, where radio broadcasters often expose corruption, illegal gambling, land disputes, or local political conflicts.
This latest killing is disturbing because it touches on three core issues.
One, the safety of journalists, or whether media workers can do their reporting without fear.
Two is the rule of law, or whether crimes against the press are punished. And third is democratic accountability, or whether the public can rely on a free press to expose wrongdoing.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security was created precisely to address the problem of violence against journalists by coordinating investigations, monitoring cases, and ensuring accountability. Its condemnation of the killing and promise to “ensure justice is served” is therefore expected, but the credibility of the task force depends on actual case resolution, not merely statements.
This case should be solved quickly, to strengthen confidence that the government can protect journalists. If it remains unresolved, it reinforces the perception of impunity, which is one of the biggest threats to press freedom.
Since the task force operates under the Office of the President, the handling of this case reflects on the administration’s commitment to press freedom. The government must be able to identify suspects, prosecute those responsible, and protect other journalists.
Organizations such as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and international watchdogs are correct in closely monitoring cases of violence against media. In countries with strong press freedom, attacks on journalists are rare occurrences and quickly solved.
But in countries like the Philippines where cases remain unsolved, violence becomes a tool to silence criticism.
This situation cannot be allowed to continue without decisive government action—and soon.
