A radio broadcaster was shot and killed in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on Monday, according to government authorities, adding to the growing list of slain media workers in the Philippines—one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

The victim, identified as 63-year-old Erwin Segovia, was gunned down shortly after exiting the premises of Radio WOW in Bislig.

Authorities said Segovia was known for tackling “social issues, local governance, and community concerns” on his popular morning program.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) stated that two individuals on a motorcycle were seen fleeing the scene, with one believed to be the gunman.

The motive and the identities of the assailants remain unknown as investigations continue.

With 147 journalists killed between 1998 and 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based media watchdog, ranks the Philippines among six “consistently deadly” countries for media professionals.

Segovia’s killing comes just weeks after the fatal shooting of former broadcaster Ali Macalintal in General Santos City. The PTFoMS previously noted that Macalintal’s death “may be connected to the victim’s previous work in media.”

Many of the journalists targeted in the Philippines are based in provinces, where their reporting on sensitive issues often puts them at odds with powerful figures.

Despite the alarming number of killings, very few perpetrators are brought to justice, reinforcing concerns about impunity and press freedom in the country.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.

In news abroad, Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore to claim her remains and arrange her burial. Her decomposed body was found in a DHA Phase-VI apartment during a court-ordered eviction; she is believed to have died 8–10 months ago. DNA tests and chemical analyses are underway to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death, as no injuries were found. Sindh officials, including Governor Kamran Tessori, offered to handle the funeral after initial reports suggested the family declined custody.

In other news, Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco died from coca1ne effects, with heart disease as a contributing factor, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. His death was ruled accidental, and the case remains open under file number 2025-04377. Tantoco passed away on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a day after attending the Manila International Film Festival. He is survived by his wife Dina Arroyo, niece of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their three children.