A journalist for a local tabloid was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding gunman in Pasig City late Monday, police reported Tuesday.

Initial reports said columnist Benefredo Acabal of Filipino Newsmen ng Cavite tabloid was ambushed by a single gunman riding a motorcycle (plate number 3906) at the corner of Amang Rodriguez Avenue corner Greenpark Village in Manggahan village around 10 p.m.

Police said Acabal was shot five times on the chest, arm and armpit with a 9mm pistol. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Pasig City General Hospital.

Police said the killing might be work-related.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has recorded at least 91 journalists and media workers in the country in the past 20 years.