Gerardo Ortega: Latest Journalist Killed In Philippines

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan radio commentator, Dr. Gerardo Ortega is the latest media person to be murdered in the crime-prone country of Philippines. Ortega, who hosted a daily radio show on RMN Palawan on the western island of Palawan, died on the spot after being shot in the head at a clothing store. The shooting happened at 10:30 am just after Ortega's latest broadcast, said Inspector Rafael Roxas, head investigator of the Scene of Crime Operatives. The attacker has been identified as Marlon Dicamata, 31, from Pagbilao, Quezon. Dicamata has been arrested, though the motive hasn't been known yet.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described Ortega as "staunch critic" of a powerful local politician and of mining operations on Palawan. Ortega is the second journalist to be slain since President Benigno Aquino III took office last year, the union said. Aquino has said he intends to make the Philippines safer for journalists.