Extrajudicial killing. Radioman Maurito Lim. By Leo Udtohan
As it lamented the death of “yet another colleague,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines late Saturday challenged the government to act swiftly to get the killer of Bohol radio commentator Maurito Lim.
In a statement, the NUJP challenged the government anew to act swiftly on the death of Maurito Lim, who was gunned down while about to report for work at dyRD in Tagbilaran City.
“We have run out of words of condemnation in the face of the murder of yet another colleague,” the NUJP said.
“While we seriously doubt demanding justice will get us, or Maurito Lim’s family and colleagues, anywhere, we challenge the government to prove us wrong by acting swiftly to solve the case, arrest the killers and, most important, the mastermind who ordered his death,” it added.
The NUJP noted Lim had been hitting hard at local officials linked to the illegal drug trade – lest government “chalk this one up to another ‘non-work related’ death.”
The NUJP said Lim was about to alight from his car in front of dyRD before noon Saturday when a motorcycle-riding gunman shot him.
Citing initial reports, it said the bullet hit Lim in the left jaw and exited on the other side of his face.
Lim was rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, but died around 1:15 p.m.
“Maurito Lim is the second journalist murdered in Bohol, the 172nd since 1986, and the 31st under the administration of Benigno Aquino III,” the group said.
The NUJP extends sympathies and solidarity to Lim’s family and promised to be with them “all the way in the search for justice.”
It also urged media workers in Bohol “to unite and remain resolute in serving our people in the face of continued threats to press freedom.” — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
