Journalist shot dead in Philippines

A journalist was gunned down by unidentified assailants in south Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said on Wednesday.

Elvis Ordaniza, 49, native of Pitogo town and reporter in a local radio based in Pagadian city, was killed on Tuesday night, Xinhua reported.

Zamboanga peninsula police director Miguel Antonio said that, based on initial police investigation, the victim was shot and killed around 7.00 p.m. (local time) in the village of Bagong Silang of Pitogo town.

Police said Ordaniza was preparing dinner at the time. He went out briefly from his kitchen to gather firewood when two unidentified gunmen emerged and shot him twice.

The assailants quickly escaped, leaving the victim lying on the ground.

Ordaniza was initially rushed to a health centre and later transferred to a hospital in Pagadian city for treatment but was declared dead on arrival.

Further investigation was underway, said the police.