Leonilo Milla

Radio Journalist, Philippines. Killed 2008.

Journalists in the Philippines have paid a high price for democracy.  According to figures from the Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility, 40 have been killed there since 2001 and it is widely regarded as one of the worst places in the world to be a journalist.

38 year old radio journalist, Leonilo Mila, was on his way out of the radio station compound in San Roque when unknown assailants attacked him and dragged him to a local compound. He was shot six times.

Mila was known for his hard-hitting political commentaries and had received several death threats after exposing local corruption in the town.  He left behind a widow, Gina and two children - 10 year old Valentina and 9 year old Leo.  

The Trust wanted to help Gina set up an income generating initiative so she could support herself and her children long-term, so we gave her a grant to help her set up a Salabat-making business.  Salabat is a Filipino ginger beer and the money has helped her buy raw materials, utensils and set up distribution methods so she can supply her product to nearby markets and shops.