ILIGAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 27, 2010) - The International Federation of Journalists has called on Philippine authorities to take immediate action to investigate death threats against Manny Agustero, of dxIF-Bombo Radyo, in Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao.
The media watch dog said Agustero received four calls on the evening of October 20, after an on-air discussion about alleged illegal gambling operations on October 18, in which he reported that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office had complained to the city council over the alleged proliferation of illegal lottery outlets.(Merlyn Manos)
Showing posts with label IFJ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IFJ. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Broadcaster Threatened In Southern Philippines
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
IFJ mourns death of another broadcaster in RP
MANILA, Philippines - The International Federation of Journalists joined its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, in mourning the death of yet another journalist killed in Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
Desidario “Jessie” Camangyan, 52, anchorman of Sunrise FM in Mati town in Davao Oriental province was shot dead around 10.30 p.m. Monday as he hosted a singing contest in the neighboring town of Manay.
The regional police said the killer shot Camangyan at close range beneath the right ear. A special investigation task force headed by Superintendent Jorge Corpuz has been established to investigate the murder, according to a local news report.
The motivation for the murder is unclear. Camangyan was known for criticism in his broadcasts on mining and illegal logging issues, and Sunrise station manager Bobong Alcantara said he believed this could be behind the killing.
News reports also noted Camangyan had campaigned for Mayor Michelle Rabat in last month’s general elections.
The murder is the 138th killing of a media worker in the Philippines since 1986, and the 101st during the tenure of Gloria Arroyo, according to the NUJP.
On November 23 last year, election campaigning opened with the horrific massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers, in Maguindanao, Mindanao.
“It is difficult to believe that the killer is unknown when Jessie Camangyan was murdered on stage at a public event,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said. “There is no excuse for local authorities to delay in bringing the perpetrator and whoever may have ordered the killing to justice.”
In other news from Mindanao, the IFJ commends the actions of four journalists who have filed a criminal complaint following harassment by Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo and Nestor Jacot the day before the May 10 elections.
The four, among a group of seven media personnel illegally detained on Camiguin Island, lodged the complaint on June 10 at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Camiguin, according to the NUJP.
Herbert Hugo Dumaguing and son Hubert, Alphyn Cabañog and Algin Lobino accused Romualdo of illegal detention, grave threats, robbery and violation of Section 261Q of the Omnibus Election Code, which pertains to the carrying of firearms during an election period.
The journalists were accompanied by lawyer Fides Angeli Sabio, and escorted by several journalists and police officers based in Cagayan de Oro City.
“It is encouraging to see that journalists are filing cases against public officials who attempt to intimidate journalists,” Park said. “The IFJ expects the prosecutor’s office to act fully on their complaint.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Philippines presidential candidates must agree to protect journalists: IFJ
MANILA, Philippines - The International Federation of Journalists has called on all the candidates running for the presidency in the Philippines to make a public commitment to overturn the country's culture of impunity for the killing of journalists.
The call comes as the Philippines government announced it would drop charges of multiple murder against Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan, both of whom were arrested after the massacre of 57 people, including 32 members of the media, last November.
The IFJ, in company with other press watchdogs and many Filipino journalists, believes the decision - made by the Philippines' acting justice secretary, Alberto Agra - suggests political interference in the judicial process.
The Ampatuan family is known for its support of the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and for involvement in voting irregularities that benefited Arroyo in previous elections.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in a statement: "It is not for us to proclaim the innocence or guilt of either Ampatuan... But neither is it for Agra to do so. Not after the charges have been formally filed in court. Not after the judge has issued a commitment order against them."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Philippines Editor Receives Death Threats
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls on the Philippines government to urgently investigate a series of threatening messages sent to Newsbreak editor-in-chief Marites Danguilan Vitug in the national capital region of Manila in the past week.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, Vitug received two text messages from an unknown mobile phone number.
One of the messages reportedly said,“Your kind is the reason why journalists are being killed. Ampatuan had valid reason to kill those journalists. I wish you were one of them.”
The message refers to the massacre of 58 people including 32 journalists in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009. Several family members of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr including his son Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr were arrested as suspects in late 2009.
The threats follow the release of Vitug’s controversial book, Shadow of Doubt on March 16 which deals with allegations of corruption against judges of the Philippines Supreme Court.
Vitug is also facing a libel suit filed by Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco for an article she wrote about him last year.
The NUJP quoted Vitug as saying she made the threat public “because this is the best protection.”
“In an environment where attacks on press freedom are frequent and violent and all too often unpunished, all measures must be taken by authorities to quash any potential risk to the personal safety of individual media personnel,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“Only by actively pursuing justice against all perpetrators of violence against the Philippines media will the authorities be able to send a message that such impunity will no longer be tolerated.”
The IFJ stands in solidarity with the NUJP and other local media organisations as they honour the courage of their colleagues in commemorating the four-month anniversary of the November 23 massacre. (IFJ)
Link: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1003/S00453.htm
Friday, October 10, 2008
Two Radio Journalists Receive Death Threats in the Philippines
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls for the immediate protection of two journalists in the Philippines who have reportedly received a series of death threats after broadcasting allegations of local council extortion.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, the Davao City-based journalists Erin Lumosbog, anchor of Radyo Ronda on the RPN9-dxKT network, and James Pala, of Radyo Rapido, both reported receiving text messages warning their lives were at risk.
Lumosbog receives threats each time he goes on air since he reported allegations that a group of councillors had demanded 1.2 million Philippine pesos from a businessman in exchange for a council permit, the NUJP said.
One text message reportedly said, “If you will not stop from doing commentaries on the Sta Cruz issues, bullets might force you to stop.”
Pala also reported receiving at least three similar threatening messages since he began discussing the same allegations on his program in late September.
Requests by both journalists to the councillors involved in the allegations to give their side of the story have been ignored, the NUJP said.
“It is deplorable that threats are made against journalists in an effort to quell unfavourable reporting,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“Acts of intimidation of this kind only highlight the strength and professional integrity of journalists in the Philippines who continue to do their jobs, and to do them well, despite contending with one of the worst cultures of violence against the media in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In the wake of the murder of two Radio Mindanao journalists in August, the IFJ joins the NUJP in calling on the Philippines authorities to act immediately to provide Lumosbog, Pala and their families protection until the perpetrators of the threats are located and brought to justice.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, the Davao City-based journalists Erin Lumosbog, anchor of Radyo Ronda on the RPN9-dxKT network, and James Pala, of Radyo Rapido, both reported receiving text messages warning their lives were at risk.
Lumosbog receives threats each time he goes on air since he reported allegations that a group of councillors had demanded 1.2 million Philippine pesos from a businessman in exchange for a council permit, the NUJP said.
One text message reportedly said, “If you will not stop from doing commentaries on the Sta Cruz issues, bullets might force you to stop.”
Pala also reported receiving at least three similar threatening messages since he began discussing the same allegations on his program in late September.
Requests by both journalists to the councillors involved in the allegations to give their side of the story have been ignored, the NUJP said.
“It is deplorable that threats are made against journalists in an effort to quell unfavourable reporting,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“Acts of intimidation of this kind only highlight the strength and professional integrity of journalists in the Philippines who continue to do their jobs, and to do them well, despite contending with one of the worst cultures of violence against the media in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In the wake of the murder of two Radio Mindanao journalists in August, the IFJ joins the NUJP in calling on the Philippines authorities to act immediately to provide Lumosbog, Pala and their families protection until the perpetrators of the threats are located and brought to justice.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
IFJ: Philippines Media Shocked at Fatal Shooting of Radio Journalist
Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply saddened by the murder of broadcast journalist Martin Roxas, who was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Capiz, the Philippines, on August 7.
Roxas, 32, anchorman of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station dyVR and host of the station’s midday program “Targetanay sa Udto” was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as he left the radio station in Barangay village at 1pm.
Colleagues reportedly informed police that Roxas, who was also auditor for the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, had been beaten by a group of young men last week.
Roxas is the second RMN broadcaster to be targeted this week. Dennis Cuesta, program director for the dxMD program on the RMN network is currently fighting for his life after suffering three bullet wounds to his head in an attack in General Santos City on August 4.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001.
“It is with great distress that the IFJ reports that Roxas’ murder and the attack on Cuesta have seen the Philippines return to the top of the most dangerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region for journalists so far in 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ welcomes reports that the Capiz provincial police have established a taskforce to investigate Roxas’ shooting and that two persons have been detained.”
The IFJ joins the NUJP in appealing to the RMN network and local authorities to provide extra security and protection for journalists, particularly as they travel to and from work.
“Only through public condemnation and the active pursuit of justice will authorities send a clear message that such heinous attacks will not be tolerated.”
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to Roxas’ family and friends, to the NUJP, and to the Radio Mindanao Network for the shocking attacks on two of its journalists this week.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries
Roxas, 32, anchorman of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station dyVR and host of the station’s midday program “Targetanay sa Udto” was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as he left the radio station in Barangay village at 1pm.
Colleagues reportedly informed police that Roxas, who was also auditor for the Capiz chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, had been beaten by a group of young men last week.
Roxas is the second RMN broadcaster to be targeted this week. Dennis Cuesta, program director for the dxMD program on the RMN network is currently fighting for his life after suffering three bullet wounds to his head in an attack in General Santos City on August 4.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be murdered this year and the 59th since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took power in 2001.
“It is with great distress that the IFJ reports that Roxas’ murder and the attack on Cuesta have seen the Philippines return to the top of the most dangerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region for journalists so far in 2008,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ welcomes reports that the Capiz provincial police have established a taskforce to investigate Roxas’ shooting and that two persons have been detained.”
The IFJ joins the NUJP in appealing to the RMN network and local authorities to provide extra security and protection for journalists, particularly as they travel to and from work.
“Only through public condemnation and the active pursuit of justice will authorities send a clear message that such heinous attacks will not be tolerated.”
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to Roxas’ family and friends, to the NUJP, and to the Radio Mindanao Network for the shocking attacks on two of its journalists this week.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries
Saturday, December 23, 2006
An Open Letter To President Gloria Arroyo
Open letter to the Philippines' President: Act now to dismantle culture of impunity
Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Email: opnet@ops.gov.ph
Dear President Arroyo,
On December 20, Laoag City radio broadcaster Andres "Andy" Acosta was stabbed to death in Batac, Ilocos Norte. Acosta's brutal murder now brings the total up to 48 journalists killed since you came to power in 2001.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), as the organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 115 countries, implores you to take immediate action and put an end to the senseless bloodshed, and ensure those responsible for these deaths are brought to justice.
According to IFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), a police official interviewed on radio station dzBB said the Acosta's murder was most likely related to Acosta's "line of work".
Acosta reportedly worked for Laoag radio station dzJC Aksyon Radyo (Action Radio), an affiliate of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). It is the same station where Roger Mariano, a broadcaster killed on July 31, 2004, worked.
The 12th journalist killed this year, Acosta's murder adds to an already appalling record and sends a strong message to the world that your administration does not place any value in the lives of journalists or in an independent media and informed public.
What is even more terrifying about these figures is that the perpetrators of these brutal crimes remain unpunished, and despite the establishment of the Melo Commission, journalist killers still walk free, while journalists continue to be fatally silenced.
The NUJP's tireless efforts, including their latest information campaign for journalists safety - "20 steps to safety", in campaigning for a free and safe media, while admirable, also highlights the terrible reality for journalists in the Philippines.
The IFJ echoes the NUJP's calls for your government to act now to end the culture of impunity and show the world your nation protects its citizens, punishes criminals, and values press freedom and democracy.This has gone on far too long, and too many lives have been wasted, for your government to remain idle.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President
International Federation of Journalists
Ms. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Email: opnet@ops.gov.ph
Dear President Arroyo,
On December 20, Laoag City radio broadcaster Andres "Andy" Acosta was stabbed to death in Batac, Ilocos Norte. Acosta's brutal murder now brings the total up to 48 journalists killed since you came to power in 2001.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), as the organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 115 countries, implores you to take immediate action and put an end to the senseless bloodshed, and ensure those responsible for these deaths are brought to justice.
According to IFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), a police official interviewed on radio station dzBB said the Acosta's murder was most likely related to Acosta's "line of work".
Acosta reportedly worked for Laoag radio station dzJC Aksyon Radyo (Action Radio), an affiliate of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). It is the same station where Roger Mariano, a broadcaster killed on July 31, 2004, worked.
The 12th journalist killed this year, Acosta's murder adds to an already appalling record and sends a strong message to the world that your administration does not place any value in the lives of journalists or in an independent media and informed public.
What is even more terrifying about these figures is that the perpetrators of these brutal crimes remain unpunished, and despite the establishment of the Melo Commission, journalist killers still walk free, while journalists continue to be fatally silenced.
The NUJP's tireless efforts, including their latest information campaign for journalists safety - "20 steps to safety", in campaigning for a free and safe media, while admirable, also highlights the terrible reality for journalists in the Philippines.
The IFJ echoes the NUJP's calls for your government to act now to end the culture of impunity and show the world your nation protects its citizens, punishes criminals, and values press freedom and democracy.This has gone on far too long, and too many lives have been wasted, for your government to remain idle.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President
International Federation of Journalists
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