NUJP Condemns Brazen Killing of Surigao Radioman
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has strongly condemned the brazen killing of radio broadcaster and station manager Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The attack occurred on the morning of July 21, when unidentified assailants gunned down Segovia.
Segovia’s murder follows a grim pattern that highlights the persistent climate of impunity surrounding journalism in the Philippines. The NUJP expressed deep concern over the continuing threats journalists face in the country, emphasizing the urgency to address media killings.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Erwin Segovia, 63, was shot in the head while riding his motorcycle along the national highway in Barangay Mangagoy. This happened barely 20 minutes after he finished his morning radio program, “Diretsahan ni Boy Pana Segovia,” aired on 95.8 dxCB FM. According to local reports, two men on a motorcycle trailed Segovia from the radio station before launching the deadly attack at 8:50 a.m. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
Ongoing Media Killings Under Marcos Jr. Administration
If investigations confirm that Segovia’s killing was linked to his work, the NUJP count of journalists murdered in the line of duty under the Marcos Jr. administration would rise to five. This latest incident adds to a growing list of unresolved attacks on members of the press, including the death of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang in Kalibo, Aklan, earlier this year.
The NUJP urged authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. They also called for a probe into the possible connection between Segovia’s hard-hitting reporting and his murder.
Calls for Protection and Justice
The union appealed to Congress and the national government to prioritize long-overdue measures that ensure the safety and welfare of journalists. They stressed that media killings must not continue to go unpunished if press freedom is to be preserved.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has already launched an investigation into Segovia’s death. Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFOMS, announced the creation of a special task group focused on recent cases. “The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern,” he said.
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