23 Jun 2010

Politicians suspected of journalists' murders

10:01 pm on 23 June 2010

Police in the Philippines say politicians are the main suspects in the murders of two journalists in the past week.

The two radio broadcasters shot in separate incidents were known for their criticism of powerful people.

One was shot when he was on his way home on a motorbike last week; police say they have arrested the bodyguard of a local politician for the murder.

In the other case, the ABC reports, a village chief and a policeman have been accused of the murder of a radio broadcaster on Monday.

The Philippines is notorious for violence against journalists and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for the media.

Thiry journalists were killed in a single mass murder last year.