Aldion Layao, a former radio journalist and currently a village council chairman was shot dead in Davao city on April 8, according to media reports. Layao was on his way home with a relative in a car, when he was shot by two unidentified men on a motorcycle. He was hit twice in the neck and rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, local news outlets said.

According to the Philippines Sun Star Davao newspaper, police have already began an investigation into the murder and they suspect that the motive was either related to politics and his work in the village council or that it was a grudge linked to his previous work as a radio journalist.

Prior to becoming a council chairman, Layao worked as a radio commentator at the station dxRP. After winning the elections in 2010, he became a “blocktimer” for dxRP, buying and selling airtime for advertising on the radio station as well as to comment on local policy issues, according to the Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility in Manila. Media reports also indicated that Layao had worked as a broadcast journalist for a number of radio stations including GMA Super Radyo, and that he had also hosted a television show before turning his hand to politics.

The Sun Star Davao newspaper reported that Rica Niña, Layao’s wife, suspected someone in the council had orchestrated his murder, as he often disagreed with members.

The Philippines remains a dangerous country for journalists. According to IPI’s Death Watch, four journalists were killed in the Philippines last year. Aldion Layao is the second journalist to be killed in 2012. In January, Christopher Guarin was killed by unidentified men on a motorcycle.

“Our condolences go out to Aldion Layao’s family and friends,” said IPI Acting Deputy Director, Anthony Mills. “We urge the authorities to carry out a full, independent investigation into this violent attack.”