PHOTO FROM REY CORTES’ FACEBOOK PAGE
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Cebu Chapter (NUJP Cebu) is calling for the swift and impartial probe of DYRB blocktimer and radio commentator Renante “Rey” Cortes’ death.
Cortes was shot outside the DYRB station in Mambaling, Cebu City after his morning program at past 9 in the morning on Thursday.
“NUJP-Cebu condemns the killing of Cortes and fervently demands justice for his death. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident,” NUJP Cebu said in a statement.
The local journalists union also condemned the ‘culture of impunity’ that encourages and normalizes the rising attacks against journalists and media workers who continue to fulfill their jobs as watchdogs of society.
“We resist all threats and attempts to silence the media, to gag the fourth estate from bringing truth to power. We recognize that forwarding truth only emboldens more of these senseless killings,” NUJP Cebu added.
Cortes was declared dead on arrival at around 9:55 in the morning after he was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). NUJP Cebu said that it was the second attempt on Cortes’ life. Ariel Jack Tejado