BAYUGAN (Philippines) - A RADIO broadcaster was shot dead by an unknown gunman in the southern Philippines, police said on Monday.

Jonathan Petalvero, the 43-year-old host of a news commentary programme on DXFM station in Bayugan town, was attacked by a gunman riding a motorcycle along a road here late on Saturday, Bayugan police officer Johnny Orlanez said.

The motive for the attack was unclear, although residents said the victim had planned to run for public office in the municipal council in the May 2010 general elections.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists earlier this year said the Philippines was among several countries where media workers were murdered with impunity. -- AFP