James Michael Licuanan, of Radyo Bombo, was shot from behind by motorcycle gunmen late Thursday as he was heading home. The attack was believed connected to his commentary about illegal drugs and corruption in his radio program.
Reporters Without Borders said it was shocked to learn about the attempt to murder Licuanan.
“We are outraged by the continuing violence against Philippine media and we voice our full support for Licuanan,” Reporters Without Borders said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
“This shooting attack, which is typical of the dangers accompanying media work in the Philippines
Licuanan was seriously injured by a bullet that entered through the left buttock and exited through the abdomen. His assailants continue to shoot after he fell from his motorcycle, but he managed to take refuge in a nearby fire station and the gunmen left on their motorcycle.
Colleagues who asked not to be identified said Licuanan received anonymous telephone threats two weeks ago after discussing a drug trafficking case and local corruption on the air. He had reported on the arrest of a local drug trafficking suspect, Sammy Yusop, by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and had accused police of colluding with drug traffickers, according to Reporters Without Borders.
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines
The Philippines Mindanao Examiner)
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