GENEVA, January 5, 2010 (AFP) - A record 121 journalists were killed in 25 countries in 2009, an increase of 33 percent from a year ago, a watchdog said Tuesday.

"On average 10 journalists were killed per month by armed groups, criminal groups, governments and in terrorist acts," said Press Emblem Campaign secretary general Blaise Lempen.

"Others were kidnapped or exiled and in many cases silenced while impunity continues."

The year was also marked by the "worst massacre of journalists in history," when 31 journalists were killed in November during an attack on an electoral convoy in southern Philippines' Maguindanao province.

The Philippines has therefore the highest media casualty numbers, and together with Mexico, Somalia, Pakistan, Russia and Iraq, accounted for two-thirds of the casualty count in 2009.

In Mexico, 13 journalists were killed amid the battle against drugs and trafficking, while in Somalia, nine were killed in the cross fire and terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, in Russia, seven journalists were slain, "mostly related to the conflict in the Caucuses."

Some improvements have been observed in Iraq compared to 2003-2007, with six journalists killed in 2009.

The PEC is a grouping of 35 associations and unions from about 100 countries.