Filipino reporter Orlando ‘Dondon’ Dinoy died instantly after he was shot six times at close range in his apartment in Bansalan, Davo del Sur at 6pm on October 30. According to the NUJP, Dinoy was killed inside a makeshift recording booth when his assailant forcibly entered his home. Dinoy was a well-known community reporter for Newsline.Ph and a block time anchor for Energy FM, covering community development and crime.
Bansalan police chief Major Peter Glen Ipong said investigations were underway to establish the killer’s identity and motives. As yet, authorities have not confirmed whether Dinoy was murdered due to his profession.
Journalists in the Philippines are subject to frequent attacks and ongoing antagonism from authorities, with 21 journalists murdered since president Rodrigo Duterte assumed power in 2016 according to the NUJP.
Dinoy was killed just days before the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists on November 2. In a statement the NUJP said, “Impunity for attacks on journalists highlights the urgent need for reforms in the justice system to send the message that perpetrators will be found, charged and held accountable”.
The NUJP said: “While there is no good time for an attack on a journalist, Orlando Dinoy’s killing so close to the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists highlights the need for quick government action on attacks against us”.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ strongly condemn the murder of Orlando Dinoy and call on authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate his death. Given the precedent of impunity for crimes against journalist in the Philippines, the IFJ urges authorities to duly consider the likelihood that Dinoy’s death was work-related.”