Filipino Journalist-Councilor Stabbed to Death in Surigao del Sur — Police Launch Malicious Killing Probe

December 08, 2025 – Philippines – 

A local journalist-turned-municipal councilor was fatally stabbed Saturday morning in Surigao del Sur — prompting condemnation from media groups and a formal investigation by Philippine authorities.

Officials have identified the victim as Gerry Campos, a broadcaster and serving councilor in Marihatag. He was attacked around 7 a.m. near a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Cruz, while walking, was stabbed by a suspect who later fled the scene. Police responded quickly and arrested him later that day, during a pursuit operation.

The national police leadership, including acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has condemned the killing as “senseless” and ordered a full investigation to determine motive and hold all responsible parties to account. Nartatez called on the public to come forward with any information that could aid the case.

Campos was well known in the region, previously managing a local radio station and working with a national radio network before being elected municipal councilor. His assassination adds to the Philippines’ grim record of threats, attacks, and murders targeting journalists — many of which remain unresolved.

Media-rights advocates described the killing as a blow not only to one man’s life but to press freedom itself. In a country where coverage of corruption, local politics or criminality can provoke violent backlash, they warn, the murder of a journalist-councilor risks chilling civic reporting and undermining the public’s right to information.

The case remains under active investigation. As forensic work proceeds and authorities interview potential witnesses, many in the journalism community and civil society are watching closely — demanding justice not only for Campos, but for all journalists who face danger simply for doing their job.

Reference – 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/8/pnp-probes-killing-of-journo-councilor-in-surigao-del-sur-1254

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/968835/nartatez-orders-probe-into-slay-of-journo-councilor-in-surigao-del-sur/story/#:~:text=Campos%20was%20fatally%20stabbed%20on,day%20during%20a%20pursuit%20operation.

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/12/07/journalist-councilor-fatally-stabbed-in-surigao-del-sur