29 September 2004
Romeo Binungkal
Shooting
Romeo Binungkal, former editor-in-chief of the local newspaper "Mt. Samat Weekly Forum", was killed on his way home to Pilar, Bataan in Central Luzon.
Binungkal, 43, was the third journalist killed in Bataan province.
At the time of his death, he was a correspondent for the Manila-based tabloids "Remate" and "Bulgar". Binungkal was riding his motorcycle when he was shot by unidentified men.
The incident occurred on the boundary between Balanga City and Pilar town, at around 4:00 a.m. (local time). Binungkal was shot in the head and other parts of his body with a .45 calibre pistol. The police have not yet established the motive for the killing. It is not known if the journalist had received threats prior to his death.
Police have not identified any suspects to date. The other two journalists killed in Bataan were Tim Olivarez, who worked for "Tempo" and "The Luzon Tribune", and Ruben Manrique, publisher and editor of "The Luzon Tribune". Binungkal is the seventh journalist killed in the Philippines this year.
