Philippine government condemns killing of radio broadcaster

The Philippine government condemned on Wednesday the killing of another radio broadcaster in the southern city of Tagum in Davao del Norte. Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. made an assurance that police will go after the suspects in the killing of Rogelio Butalid, anchorman of Radyo Natin station. Butalid was shot to death on Wednesday morning right after he concluded his radio program. His death came hours after radio reporter Jonavin Villalba was shot and injured in the central Philippine province of Iloilo. Butalid was the third journalist to be killed in three weeks. On Dec. 6, radio broadcaster Michael Diaz Milo was shot to death by unidentified gunmen. Two weeks ago, radio reporter Joas Dignos was also killed by motorcycle-riding assailants.