Philippines: Gunmen kill journalist in Villasis (Pangasinan province) November 10

Event

Gunmen assassinated journalist Virgilio Maganes outside his home in Villasis (Pangasinan province) on Tuesday, November 10, the eighteenth journalist killed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Reports indicate that his death comes two days after a failed assassination attempt on him when gunmen shot and wounded Maganes during a drive-by shooting.

Maganes was a host at a local radio station and a columnist for a regional weekly paper.

Similar attacks targeting journalists are possible in the Philippines over the near term.

Context

Reporters Without Borders ranked the Philippines 136th out of 180 countries (number 1 being the freest) in its latest World Press Freedom Index. 

Advice

Those engaged in journalistic activities in the Philippines are advised to maintain a heightened sense of caution and situational awareness at all times, and report any suspicious items or activity to authorities immediately.

Those in Pangasinan are advised to exercise a heightened level of situational awareness and expect an increased security presence. Travelers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of any incident-related updates.