Geneva, March 23, 2026: A Filipino radio professional was shot dead last Friday, creating panic among the media community in the Philippines.

The victim, identified as Julio Calo (49), was attacked in front of his residence in Barangay Robles under the La Castellana area on March 20. According to reports, an unidentified gunman shot him in the head. He died on the spot due to the severity of the injury.

After the attack, the gunman reportedly fled the scene in a white SUV. Authorities have started investigating the case, but the motive behind the killing is still not clear.

Julio Calo worked as a community radio block-timer for 88.3 DNN News FM. In the Philippines, a block-timer is a broadcaster who buys airtime from a radio station to host independent community programs.

Following the incident, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety organization, strongly condemned the killing and demanded justice.

PEC chief Blaise Lempen stated that the Philippines continues to be a dangerous place for journalists. He also pointed out that many past cases remain unresolved, allowing perpetrators to escape punishment.

PEC representatives have called for a fair investigation and strict action against those responsible.

This incident has again raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in the country. Reports indicate that this is the 14th journalist killing globally this year and the first such case in the Philippines in 2026.

The killing adds to previous incidents in 2025, when multiple journalists lost their lives, highlighting ongoing risks faced by media professionals.

Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation continues.