Another journalist slain in Philippines, eighth this year
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-21 13:59

Unknown gunmen have shot dead a journalist just outside the Philippine capital Manila, making him the eighth Filipino journalist murdered this year.

Robert Ramos, a reporter for the local tabloid Katapat, was shot dead by two gunmen late Sunday in front of a market in Cabuyao town, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in a statement.

Police in Manila said they could not confirm the report.

The group said it still did not know the motive for the killing or if it was related to his job as a reporter.

The killing of Ramos came just two days after radio broadcaster and leftist political leader Ricardo Uy was shot dead in the central Philippines.

Six other journalists were killed in the Philippines earlier this year. Thirteen were killed last year, earning the country a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous place for reporters.

The union assailed Philippine President Gloria Arroyo for not doing enough to crack down on the murders of journalists, as it accused her of seeking to limit press freedom.