The killing of a journalist equals an attempt to silence the truth they carry.

The Union of Journalists of the Philippines – UP strongly condemns the killing of broadcast journalist Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte, who was shot by two unidentified gunmen outside his bakery in Daraga, Albay, on Monday.

We extend deepest sympathy and solidarity for his friends, family and colleagues, who are now left to mourn a life cut short by violence.

Adding to Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) most recent tally, Loterte is the ninth broadcast journalist slain under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. He follows broadcaster Noel Samar, who was killed in October 2025. Samar was also based in Albay.

This killing is a reflection of the culture of impunity persisting in the Philippine media and adds to the chilling effect faced by journalists who perform their duty amid threats and violence.

UJP-UP notes that the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) is already investigating the killing and looking into Loterte’s work as a journalist as a possible motive for the attack.

We maintain that all killings of journalists must be presumed work-related until proven otherwise. We urge the PTFOMS and other concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and provide timely updates on the case until the perpetrators are held accountable and justice is served.

No journalist should fear for their life while doing their job.

#JusticeForAdrianLoterte

#StopKillingJournalists

#EndImpunity

#DefendPressFreedom