H. E. Fidel Ramos
President of the Philippines
Malacańang Palace
San Miguel, Metro Manila
Republic of the Philippines

Vienna, 16 February 1996

The International Press Institute (IPI) strongly condemns the killing of the journalist and human rights lawyer Ferdinand Reyes.

Mr. Reyes, editor of the weekly newspaper Press Freedom, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in his office in the Dipolog City on 12 February 1996. An attorney as well as a journalist, he frequently wrote in his columns about official corruption and human rights abuses in the Philippines. We understand that Mr. Reyes, who led a small demonstration on 9 February against a new anti-terrorism bill, had received repeated threats to his life.

IPI, a global network of editors and media executives from newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and news agencies in 85 countries, urges that you authorize an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of Mr. Reyes and that those responsible are brought to justice. We further urge that you disclose any findings with regard to his murder and that all possible steps are taken in the future to protect the safety of journalists working in the Philippines.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director