Filipino reporter shot; official condemns attack

The Associated Press ,  Manila   |  Tue, 08/05/2008 6:13 PM  |  World

Officials say a reporter and radio anchor in the southern Philippines has been shot and critically wounded in a drive-by attack condemned by the president's office.

Jesus Dureza, spokesman for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, blamed "bad elements" for the shooting of Dennis Cuesta from Radio Mindanao Network in General Santos City.

He says he has requested regular updates from police on their investigation.

Officials say Cuesta was shot four times late Monday by three gunmen. He remains in the intensive care unit.

The motive is unclear, but attacks on reporters exposing corruption and wrongdoing are frequent in the Philippines. In the last seven years, 58 journalists have been killed in the country.(**)

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