Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) — A 32-year-old Muslim radio anchor was shot dead in Cotabato City Monday night, according to the government's media task force.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMs) said the victim, Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang, was gunned down while he was about to board his vehicle.

Midtimbang was a radio host of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta being aired over Gabay Radio 97.7 FM.

The radio program, also known as the "House of Opinions," consists of Muslim missionaries who cater to various projects in support of the Mindanao peace process.

"We condemn this senseless act of violence as it has no place in our society," PTFoMs chief Paul Gutierrez said.

He added that the media task force has coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for support in the ongoing investigation.

"Pending the result of the investigation as to the motive of the attack, we consider this as related to the work of the victim as a radio anchor," Gutierrez also said.

Last May, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility reported at least 75 cases of violations against media workers since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office.

It exceeded the 60 press freedom violations under the Marcos administration reported by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.