The journalist for Radyo Natin was shot and killed by gunmen in the southern city of Tagum on Mindanao Island, according to police sources.

The attack, carried out by armed riding a motorcycle , was condemned by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines who suspected that the motive was the victim's work as a journalist.

Butalib was a commentator for the local Radyo Natin station and his programme often tackled local issues like corruption.