Joselito Agustin

Joselito Agustin (1976 – June 16, 2010), also known as Aksyon Lito, was a Filipino journalist who worked for the DZJC radio station in Baccara, Ilocos Norte, on the island of Luzon, Philippines. He was an important journalist in the local community and often showed no fear of political flak and was killed.[1][2][3][4]

Joselito Agustin
Born
Joselito Agustin

1974
DiedJune 16, 2010
Bacarra, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
EducationJournalism, Communications
OccupationRadio Journalist
ChildrenTwo

Augustin's death occurred within days of two other murders of Filipino journalists. Just one day before Augustin, Desidario Camangyan who did political reports for Sunrise FM in Mati, Davao Oriental, was killed. Later that week Nestor Bedolido, of the Kastigador, which was a weekly, was killed.[5]

Death

Joselito Agustin was shot four times by two different gunmen on his way home from work on the night of June 15, 2010. The reason why it happened is still somewhat unknown according to local officials. What was known by the public is that Agustin did bash politicians in the area and particularly against mayoral candidates who were campaigning for office positions. Later details revealed that Newly elected Vice Mayor Pacific Velasco, an aide and two others were charged with murder by police.[2] The reasoning behind killing Agustin was because he was broadcasting on-air criticizing Velasco and putting his election efforts in jeopardy.[2]

Context

Baccara, is one of many municipalities in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines.[6] Journalist Joselito Agustin did speak his political views publicly often, causing a backlash from politicians.[2]

Impact

Joselito Agustin was a voice in the community of Bacarra. The topics he discussed on air such as local election irregularities were important because he called out politicians that were trying or did corrupt the system.[2]

Reactions

Irina Bokova, the director general of UNESCO, said about his killing: “This crime must be investigated and its perpetrators brought to justice. This is essential to put an end to the shocking number of attacks on professionals assassinated for exercising the basic human right of free speech and enabling the public to engage in informed debate.”[7] Jesus Versoza, the Philippine chief of police, ordered the creation of a task force to look into the two killings this week, said Leonardo Espina, a police spokesman. He wants these cases prioritized and solved soon."[8]

Joselito Agustin's death was just one of many in June 2010 in the Philippines as deaths also occurred the previous two days as well. The ongoing murder problem in the Philippines got worse with the newly elected president.[4]

Career

Joselito Agustin was a radio journalist at local station DZJC Radio Station in Bacarra, Philippines. He was often known for his advocacy against corruption in local government units.[1]

See also

References
  1. Dacanay, Barbara Mae. June 17, 2010. "Broadcaster shot to death in llocos, northern Luzon." Gulf News. Retrieved November 2, 2011 Gulf News
  2. Committee to Protect Journalists.2010. “Joselito Agustin.” Retrieved September 22, 2011 CPJ.
  3. Reporters Without Borders. 2010. “Two provincial radio presenters gunned down in space of 24 hours.” Retrieved September 22, 2011 RSF.
  4. International Federation of Journalists. 2010. “Gunning For Media: Journalists killed in 2010.” Retrieved September 22, 2011 IFJ Archived April 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
  5. Felongco, Gilbert P. June 21, 2010. "Political rivalry suspected behind journalist's killing." Gulf News. Retrieved November 2, 2011 Gulf News
  6. Central Intelligence Agency.2011. "East and Southeast Asia: Philippines" The World Factbook. Retrieved September 22, 2011 "Archived copy". Retrieved November 7, 2009..
  7. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Publication Year. “Director-General condemns murder of Philippines journalist Nestor Bedolido” UNESCO Press.January 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2011 .
  8. Conde, Carlos H. (June 16, 2010). "Radio Journalist Slain in Philippines". New York Times. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
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