Philippines: Murder of radio journalist Nestor Micator, thorough investigation needed

A reporter and anchor for local station D'Empire FM Radio, Nestor Micator was shot dead on 21 May 2026 in Malidegao, in the Bangsamoro region of southern Philippines. According to police, the 56-year-old journalist was on his way home with his wife when they were attacked by two armed men, who then fled on a motorcycle. After being shot in the head, Micator was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

According to the initial findings of the investigation, the murder may be linked to his coverage of drug trafficking in the region. Nestor Micator's widow and brother told the police that individuals recently arrested during an anti-drug operation blamed him for their arrests and accused him of acting as a police informant because of his reporting. Police are currently investigating three suspects.

In a statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) urged investigators to pursue all possible leads to swiftly identify and bring those responsible for the killing to justice.

Nestor Micator is the second journalist to be killed in the Philippines in 2026. In April, RJ Nichole Ledesma, a reporter for the online outlet Paghimutad-Negros, was killed by the military during an operation against an armed group. The military justified the killing by claiming that the journalist was a member of the targeted armed group, yet his colleagues and relatives maintain that he was present in the area for his reporting.

With at least 148 journalists killed since the restoration of democracy in 1986, and one journalist, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, currently detained on fabricated charges, the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for reporters. The archipelago ranked 114th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index.