Philippines publisher killed after article on island drugs lab – Reuters

[TomSea]

Philippines publisher killed after article on island drugs lab
MANILA – Reuters

A Philippine provincial newspaper publisher has been shot dead after writing a column alleging official negligence over a recently discovered methamphetamine laboratory, in the first killing of a journalist during the country’s war on drugs.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)  condemned the Dec. 19 murder of Larry Que, publisher of a news site on the island of Catanduanes, and said it “challenged” President Rodrigo Duterte to find the perpetrators and utilize a special task force he set up to protect media.

The Philippines enjoys one of Asia’s most liberal media environments, and one of the most dangerous for journalists.

Scores have been killed in the past three decades, with radio broadcasters who cover provincial politics among the most common victims. Investigations of killings have often been inconclusive.

Continued: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/philippines-publisher-killed-after-article-on-island-drugs-lab.aspx?pageID=238&nID=107633&NewsCatID=358

[Frank Cannon]

Are they claiming Duterte was involved in this death or was it just a standard journalist murder of which they say there are many?

[TomSea]

Are they claiming Duterte was involved in this death or was it just a standard journalist murder of which they say there are many?

@Frank Cannon

I think they are just presenting the facts.

To me, it certainly sounds suspicious. Maybe something else will show up.

It may be about the same story posted earlier this week about Chinese being involved in this business. That article talked about islands but everything in the Philippines is about islands.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-drugs-china-specialreport-idUSKBN1451UL

Looks suspicious to me but we don't know.

[geronl]

The journalist might have uncovered Duterte's private stash