Press release

Director-General urges investigation into murder of journalist Jobert Bercasio

UNESCO observatory of killed journalists

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25 September 2020

Last update:20 April 2023

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has condemned the killing of online news journalist Jobert Bercasio, in Sorsogon City, in the centre of the Philippines.

I condemn the murder of Jobert Bercasio. I call on the authorities to investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice. The authorities must support the media’s ability to carry out their work without fearing death and violence.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General

Bercasio, host of a current events and commentary programme on online news portal Balangibog, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on his way home from work in Sorsogon City on 14 September.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

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