19 June 2006
George Vigo and Maricel Alave-Vigo
Shooting
Reporter and Radio host, George Vigo and his wife, Maricel Alave-Vigo, also a Radio host, were reportedly gunned down by two unidentified men on 19 June in Kidapawan City, south of Manila.
Two men riding a motorcycle shot the couple, as they were on their way home. Both died later in hospital of their injuries. Vigo was a frequent contributor of the local newspapers and was a presentor of a programme for young people entitled "Tingog sa Kabatan-unan" ("Youth voice") on Radio DxND-AM. Alave-Vigo hosted a weekly programme "Kalihukan sa kongreso" ("Congress affairs") on Radio DxND-AM. Known as human activists, they were involved in the creation of the Federation of Reporters for Empowerment & Equality (FREE). Relatives of the couple said they were not aware of any enemies.
However the Radio DxND-AM has been targeted several times over the past years. A month ago the station reportedly received a letter containing a poster along with this message "Death to the supporters of the communist Party of the Philippines/New people’s Army/National Democratic Front. Masses, revolt!" Three years ago, a bomb was discovered in the radio station’s parking.
