Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in a letter to Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines has expressed concern over the murder attempt on Joel Salinas Pimentel, a radio broadcaster on December 28, 2018.

PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali in his letter, has condemned the planned and attempted attack on Pimentel and termed it a clear attack on freedom of expression. PPF urged the authorities to investigate the matter and hold those responsible for attack on a journalist.

According to Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Pimentel, news anchor of program “Radyo Bandera News Afternoon Edition” of Radyo Bandera 100.7 News FM in Tandag City was shot by two unidentified armed men while he was on his way to home at the national highway in Purok Mangga.

‘One of the attacker was on a parked motorbike on the side of road while other was standing on the road, opened fire at him,’ stated Pimentel.

Pimentel also expressed that he has discussed the alleged involvement of Tago, vice Mayor Nicolas Laurente with local armed groups. According to the anchor Laurente who is nominating for mayor in the 2019 midterm elections, is violating Omnibus Election Code, which forbids the carrying of weapons.

In the morning of December 28, the anchor was also warned by a barangay councilperson to be alert.

Pimentel has been working for Radyo Bandera Tandag since 28 October 2018. Previously he was working with the other local radio stations and a community newspaper. Apart from anchoring afternoon news of Radyo Bandera, Pimentel also serves as a host in station’s public service program.