ZAMBOANGA CITY - (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 30, 2010) – Nagbabala sa publiko ang Radio Mindanao Network matapos na mabisto na may nagpanggap at gumagamit sa identipikasyon ng program director nito sa popular na social networking site na Facebook.
Sinabi ng RMN na may nagpapanggap na Gil Climaco sa Facebook at doon ay kung anu-anong mga malalaswang larawan ang inilagagay uopang hiyain diumano ang program director nitong si Gilbert Climaco.
Nagagamit rin umano ang Facebook account ng impostor upang manghingi ng salapi at mag-recruit ng trabaho mula sa mga nabibiktima.
Dahil dito ay dumulog sa National Bureau of Investigation at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group sa Zamboanga City si Gilbert Climaco upang maghain ng reklamo at hanapin ang impostor.
“Aatake ito sa aking personal na katauhan at kailangan matigil na ito sa lalong madaling panahon upang wala ng mabiktima ang impostor,” ani Climaco.
Nagulat pa umano si Climaco ng malaman nay Facebook account ito dahil ni hindi umano nito alam kung paano ang takbo ng mga social networking sites.
Nagbabala rin ito sa ibang mga reporter na mag-ingat sa kanilang mga social networking account dahil posibleng maging biktima rin sila ng “identity theft.”
Sinabi ni NBI na iniimbestigahan nito ngayon ang kaso at itinutring itong isang “cyber crime.” (Mindanao Examiner)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
RMN director, biktima ng Facebook raket
Saturday, September 25, 2010
RMN airs side over allegations by ex-manager
MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 25, 2010) – One of the Philippines’ largest and oldest radio network has denied reports that it illegally terminated a former station manager in Mindanao.
Mario Maximo Solis accused the Radio Mindanao Network of illegally terminating him early this month, but RMN insisted the former manager was dismissed on the following grounds – “loss of trust and confidence and willful disobedience of lawful orders.”
“The management of Radio Mo Nationwide has legally and validly terminated the employment of Mr. Mario Maximo Solis effective September 6, 2010. He was dismissed for “Loss of Trust and Confidence” and “Willful Disobedience of Lawful Orders,” which are just causes for termination of employment under the Labor Code,” the network’s legal counsel, lawyer Jorge Sacdalan said in a statement.
Solis was RMN’s station manager in Davao City.
Sacdalan, who is also RMN’s Human Resource Director, said Solis allegedly failed to deliver and perform the mandates of his position on numerous instances.
“Two years ago, Mr. Solis was already suspended for 30 days for not having met the contractual obligations of the company to a major advertiser by his non-airing of commercial spots with a final warning that a repetition of the same or more serious offense shall be grounds for his termination.”
“The management, after providing Mr. Solis all the opportunity to explain his side, conducted an exhaustive investigation. It has found out that Mr. Solis is liable for several serious infractions of existing company accounting rules and procedures concerning contracts, billings and payments made by clients.”
He added: “In addition thereto, Mr. Solis was also found to have unjustifiably and repeatedly disobeyed and refused to comply with the lawful orders of the management pertaining to radio operations. Certainly, the unlawful acts perpetuated by Mr. Solis coupled by his insubordination are greatly prejudicial and inimical to the interest of Radyo Mo Nationwide. (Mindanao Examiner)
Monday, August 30, 2010
(Manila Hostage-Drama) Transcript of hostage-taker's last radio interview: ABS-CBN
MANILA, Philippines - A transcript of hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza's last conversation with a radio broadcaster showed that he was willing to die during the August 23 hostage incident in Manila.
Mendoza talked with Radio Mo Nationwide (RMN) anchor Michael Rogas during the 11-hour hostage incident at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.
In one part of the interview, Rogas asked the hostage-taker if he wanted food brought to the tourist bus for himself and his 25 hostages.
Mendoza answered: "Ako po ay nakalaan na akong magutom. Kanina pa 'ko hindi kumakain dahil alam ko na magiging sitwasyon sa buhay ko. Handa na kong mamatay ngayong araw na 'to."
(It's OK for me to go hungry. I haven't eaten because I know what my situation in life will be. I am prepared to die this day.)
He also revealed that he had spoken to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and told her that she would be at fault if anything bad happened to the hostages. Mendoza had asked the Ombudsman to dismiss all the cases against him.
"I talked to Gonzales and Gutierrez and told them: You are at fault if this gets worse," the hostage-taker told Rogas.
Below is a transcript of Mendoza's RMN interview as aired on a GNN report.
MICHAEL ROGAS: Captain, sa papaaanong paraan po ninyo gustong matapos itong isyung ito, itong sitwasyong ito? (Captain, how do you want this issue, this situation to end?)
MENDOZA: Ayun nga, yung Ombudsman, ang sabi, re-review-hin, rerepasuhin. Ang gusto ko, dalhin nila rito ngayon ang order kung ako’y talagang dismissed. Yung final order nila na ako’y dismissed o na-issue-han ng dismissal order. Yun ang gusto kong mangyari: final order. Yung ginawa kanina, sulat lang ‘yun. Para ako’y ma-satisfy sa harap ng aking in-laws. Hindi tama ‘yun, mali ‘yun.
(They said the Ombudsman will review my case. What I want is for them to deliver the order if I’m really dismissed from service. The final order, saying I’m dismissed or was issued a dismissal order. That’s what I want: final order. What they delivered earlier was just a letter. For me to be satisfied in front of my in-laws. That was wrong.)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Kapitan, meron po kayong pakiusap sa pamamagitan po ng RMN, nakikinig po ang mga pulis ngayon. May pakiusap kayo sa pulis, lalung-lalo na dun sa mga sniper?
(Captain, is there anything you want to tell the police? They are listening to the RMN radio station right now. Do you have anything to say, especially to the snipers?)
MENDOZA: ‘Yang mga sniper, pag hindi sila nagsialis sa kanilang mga pwesto ay sasampolan ko sila. Ii-snipe-in ko ‘kako itong nasa pintuan.
(These snipers, if they won’t go away, I’ll give them a sample. I’ll shoot this one at the door.) Note: Masa Tse, the tour guide, was handcuffed by Mendoza at the door of the bus. He was eventually killed.
MICHAEL ROGAS: Ok, sa oras na ito, na quarter to seven na po ang oras dito po sa aming himpilan. Quarter to seven na ng gabi. Ano na po ang huling desisyon ninyo? (Ok, it’s now quarter to 7 p.m. What is your final decision?)
MENDOZA: Eh wala na po. Kasi nakikita ko ang dami nang SWAT na dumarating. Ang daming SWAT na dumarating, nakikita ko sa palibot. Ako naman, alam ko papatayin din nila ako. Kaya magsialis na sila dahil anytime, gagawin ko din ‘yun dito.
(I see a lot of SWAT coming. Many SWAT members are here, I see them all around. I know they are going to kill me. They should go away because anytime, I’ll do the same here on the bus.)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Sino na po talaga ang gusto ninyong makausap maliban po sa media?
(Who else do you want to talk to besides the media.)
MENDOZA: Eh yung pinaka reliable. Yung totoo ang sasabihin sa 'kin kasi ayaw ko yung sinisinungalingan lang ako.
(Someone who is really reliable, who will tell me the truth. I don't want someone who will just tell me lies.)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Sino yun? (Who is that?)
MENDOZA: Media. Media lang din. (Media. I just want the media.)
At this point of the interview, Mendoza is watching on TV the arrest of his brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza.
MENDOZA: Oh, yung kapatid ko nakikita ko, bakit nila ginaganyan? Akong may kasalanan dito, walang kasalanan ‘yan! Walang kasalanan ‘yan. Ipakita niyo na pinakawalan ninyo kapatid ko! Ipakita nila, pagka hindi titirahin ko ang mga nandirito sa loob!
(I can see my brother, why are they doing that? I’m the one at fault here, not him! He’s not at fault. Show me that he’s being freed! Show me or else I’ll start shooting the people here!)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Kalma lang po… (Please remain calm…)
MENDOZA: Sabihin mo sa kanila, sabihin mo sa kanila ‘yan! (Tell them that, tell them that!)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Opo, tinatawagan na po. (Yes, we’re already calling.)
MENDOZA: Ipakita nila, ipakita nila dito sa kaliwa, sa kaliwa! Makita ko sa kaliwa ng bus. Palakarin nila ang kapatid ko diyan! Pagka hindi… ito, talagang ano. Aanuhin ko dito lahat-lahat.
(Show it, show it at the left! Make sure I see it at the left side of the bus. Make my brother walk away! Or else, I’ll… I’ll…)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Opo, tinatawagan na po namin ang PNP. Easy lamang po. (Yes, we’re already calling the Philippine National Police. Please take it easy)
MENDOZA: Wala naman kasalanan yang kapatid ko. Hindi nila alam ang pangyayari dito. (My brother is not fault. They didn't know what's happening here.)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Kalma lang po tayo dahil kami na po ay nakikipag-ugnayan na po sa PNP. Humuhupa na rin naman po ang mga pulis, ano po. (Please stay calm because we are now contacting the PNP. The police are also starting to calm down...)
MENDOZA: Ayan o, binibitbit ‘yung kapatid kong pulis. Walang kasalanan ‘yan, bakit nila bibitbitin yan? Sasabihin nila, accessory, hindi accessory ‘yan! Ako lang mag-isa ang gumawa nito. Ayan nakikita ko. Nakikita ko ‘yung ginagawa nila sa kapatid ko, ayun o! Pulis yan eh, walang kasalanan ‘yan! Walang kasalanan ‘yan!
(There! They’re arresting my brother who's a cop. He’s not at fault, why are they taking him? They’d say, accessory, he’s not an accessory! I’m the only one who did this. I can see it. I see what they’re doing to my brother. He’s a cop, he's not part of this. He’s not part of this!)
MENDOZA: Pakawalan nila ‘yan, pagka hindi, eto, babarilin ko ‘yung nasa unahan! Sabihin mo sa kanila. Sabihin mo sa kanila. Ayan o, nakikita ko rito, ayun o, nasa TV. Ginagawa nilang baboy ang kapatid ko na pulis! Walang kasalanan ‘yan! Hindi niya alam ang pangyayaring ito. Ngayon niya lang nalaman sa TV. Bakit nila gaganyanin? Wala ‘yan. Walang kasalanan ‘yan!
(Let him go, or I’ll shoot this one at the door! Tell them that. Tell them that! I’m seeing it here, it’s on TV! They’re treating my policeman brother like a pig! He’s not at fault. He doesn’t know anything. He knew this just now on TV. Why are they doing that to him? He’s not a part of this!)
MENDOZA: Ayun o. Ito, lalala lamang ito sa ginagawa ng mga pulis na ‘yan! Sabihin mo sa kanila. P*tangina! O, hindi nila pakakawalan ‘yan? P*tangina! Oh, babarilin ko na ito! Pakawalan ninyo ‘yan! Babarilin ko na ito!
(This will only get worse because of what the police are doing! Tell them that! [expletive] They won't set him free? [expletive] I’ll shoot this person! Set him free! I’m going to start shooting!)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Sandali po. Huwag po kayong magpapaputok. Captain Mendoza… (To Erwin Tulfo) Pakibilisan lang yung ground commander…
(Hold on. Do not fire your gun. Captain Mendoza… (To Erwin Tulfo) Erwin, please hurry to the ground commander…)
MENDOZA: Ayan pinosas na! ‘Pag hindi nila pinakawalan ‘yan, babarilin ko na ‘to! (They already handcuffed him! If they won’t set him free, I’ll shoot this person!)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Captain Mendoza, tinutulungan na po namin kayo… (Captain Mendoza, we’re already helping you…)
MENDOZA: Wala dinederetso-diretso nila. Pag umalis at hinuli nila kasama ang kapatid ko, babarilin ko yung nasa unahan, Babarilin ko na 'tong lahat-lahat. (They just went through with it. If they go away and bring my brother, I am going to shoot the one in the front. I am going to shoot everybody.)
MICHAEL ROGAS: Captain Mendoza! Captain Mendoza!
At this point, Mendoza is no longer speaking to the interviewer as a commotion ensues inside the bus.
He later told the interviewer that he had shot 2 of the Chinese tourists and that he would kill everyone on the bus if the SWAT team does not go away.
MENDOZA: Binaril ko na yung 2 Chinese. Pagka hindi nila binago yung ganitong sitwasyon, ako mamamaril dito sa loob. Uubusin ko 'to! Uubusin ko pagka hindi sila tumigil ng kakatakbo diyan sa gilid. Uubusin ko to!
(I shot 2 of the Chinese. If they don't change the situation, I'm going to start shooting in here. I'll finish off everyone! I'll kill everybody if they don't stop running beside the bus. I'll finish off everyone!)(abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/30/10/transcript-hostage-takers-last-radio-interview
Monday, December 07, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Radio broadcaster claims getting threats from Philippine military unit
The radio broadcaster believes the threat came from the military. The spokesman of the regional military unit concerned has denied the allegation. News director Elgin Damasco of dxDC-Radio Mindanao Network in Davao City said he received the message 15 minutes towards the end of his daily program " Tinuod nga Balita (The Real News)" which runs from 5 to 6 in the morning. Davao City is approximately 946 kilometers south of Manila.
Damasco told CMFR in a phone interview he “believes that the military was behind the death threat” since most of his exposés are about military abuses in Davao. A military spokesman, however, refuted the allegation.
Damasco linked the threat to his interview with Leoncio Pitao, a.k.a. Commander Parago, a local leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Damasco interviewed Parago in Paquibato District, three days after the latter’s daughter, 20-year old elementary teacher Rebelyn, was abducted, raped, and killed in Carmen, Davao del Norte.
Apart from this, Damasco had also been tackling other issues such as the alleged mauling of several residents of Paquibato District in Davao City by elements of the 3rd Special Forces under the 1003rd Infantry Battalion.
Major Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, denied that the threat came from the military. He even described Damasco as a fair reporter. “During our interviews, he was letting us talk and letting the other side talk also. He was like an arbiter,” he told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).
The message from an unknown sender (with cell phone no. 0905-507-5929) read: “K a Damasco, mula ng kayong 3 ay naging spokesman ng NPA, matagumpay kayong nanalo sa propaganda laban sa AFP, dahil dyan may reward kayong 3 (Ka Damasco, since the three of you became spokespersons of the New People’s Army, the Armed Forces of the Philippines lost in the propaganda battle and because of that, a reward awaits the three of you).”
Damasco said the other two mentioned in the message may have been his co-workers, station manager Dodong Solis and senior anchor Alex Roldan. He said they have been noted for being critical of the military when reporting on human rights issues.
After he read the message, Damasco said he made a commentary over the air denying the anonymous text message sender’s accusation. Another message came after that, which said:
“ Matapang ka ha... (So you’re really tough...)” CMFR tried to call the mobile phone number where the message came from but the number was inaccessible.
After Damasco interviewed Parago, suspicious looking men have been seen in the vicinity of the house of Damasco, which is also near the residence of Solis. Neighbors said the men were asking them about the whereabouts of Damasco and Solis. (Souteast Asian Press Alliance - http://www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/newsdetail.php?No=1055)
Monday, March 09, 2009
Two suspects in broadcaster slay try surrender in South RP
Reports said the two men - Felizer Caitor and Bernardo Aguilar – surrendered in Cagayan de Oro City where the radioman Nilo Labares was shot and wounded on Mach 5. RMN said Labares has been declared out of danger.
Labares, who worked for the Radio Mindanao Network, was shot in the body while heading home from work. Police said the attack was connected to his work.
Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Vicente Emano had ordered the police to take steps to deter further possible attacks on local journalists and given a shoot-to-kill order against Labares’ assailants.
President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman, Cerge Remonde, condemned the shooting and ordered the police to leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is done.
Last month, unidentified gunmen also killed broadcaster Ernie Rollin, of dxSY in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental province.
Political killings have long been a concern in the Philippines, where about 60 journalists have been slain since 2001, including six last year, making the country one of the world's most dangerous places for reporters.
Government prosecutors earlier this year filed murder charges against a police officer in the August 2008 killing of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network in General Santos City. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, March 06, 2009
Attack on Mindanao radioman condemned
the attack on Cagayan de Oro broadcaster Nilo Labares of Radio
Mindanao Network’s station dxCC who was shot and seriously wounded the
evening of March 5, 2009.
Colleagues describe Labares as a hard-hitting commentator who was
active in denouncing illegal activities such as cockfights and
unlicensed entertainment joints in his city when he was attacked.
Cagayan de Oro journalists say Labares informed his colleagues at RMN
that he had been receiving threats before the attack and, at one
point, was approached by an emissary of a "powerful" personality who
warned him to stop his tirades against video carera and even asked how
much it would take him to do so.
His network has said Labares has been declared out of danger. But
while, we hope for his speedy recovery, we worry that his safety is
far from assured and demand that authorities
act posthaste to secure him and others who may be under threat.
Again, while we reiterate that we see no proof of any official policy
of directly attacking journalists, we nevertheless lay the blame for
this and previous assaults on our colleagues, too many of who have
been silenced permanently, on the government, whose inaction and
apathy, as well as its actual attempts to muzzle the media and curtail
freedom of the press and expression, have nurtured the culture of
impunity that emboldens those who wish to silence us.
The situation is not helped any by the efforts of ill-advised
lawmakers to craft repressive legislation like the right of reply
bill, or to sabotage efforts to expand democratic space like that
which perverted what would have been a bill to decriminalize libel
into one that would be even more draconian than the existing law.
These continued attempts to silence the independent media, whether
through physical assaults, government attempts at control or devious
legislation are alarming symptoms not just of a general breakdown in
law and order but, worse, of an increasing drift toward repression.
We do wish we are wrong and dare government to prove us so.
Unfortunately, that may be wishful thinking.
Nevertheless, we call on our colleagues and the public we serve to
band together and refuse to waver. Only our united resistance and
determination can prevent those who seek to rob us of our freedoms.
NUJP ZamBaSulTa condemns attempt on broadcaster's life
We strongly condemn the latest attempt to kill another journalist on Thursday evening.
Cagayan de Oro broadcaster Nilo Labares of Radio Mindanao Network’s station dxCC was on his way home when he was attacked by armed men, who pulled a trigger on his back, wounding him seriously.
Fortunately, he is now out of danger and recuperating.
The attack on Labares is the second attempt to kill local journalists just this year. On February 28, Ronaldo Doong, a block-time broadcaster, sustained bruises and cuts when he was attacked by two armed men while travelling along the highway in Colorado village in Digos City around 10 a.m.
The recent attack is also the fourth since the death of Badrodin Abas, a block time broadcaster of dxCM in Cotabato City and the secretary general of the United Bangsamoro Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) on January 21. In the other case, Ernesto Rollin, a broadcaster of radio station dxSY - Times Broadcasting Network, in Ozamis City, who was all brutally murdered on February 23.
We urge the authorities to conduct immediate, fair and just investigations in these killings and the attempt to murder journalists. These attacks on journalists constitute an attack against our democratic institutions including the rule of law.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Philippine policeman charged in journalist slaying
Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor said arrest warrants were issued for Inspector Redempto Acharon and several alleged accomplices after charges were filed in court Tuesday in connection with the August 2008 slaying of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network in General Santos city.
It is not clear why Cuesta was targeted but local media have noted that Acharon is a cousin of the mayor of General Santos — an official whom Cuesta criticized in his radio program.
The officer charged has denied any involvement.
More than 60 journalists have been killed since 2001, making the Philippines one of the world's most dangerous places for reporters. The media watchdog group, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, said Cuesta was one of six journalists killed "in the line of duty" in the Philippines last year.
Blancaflor, head of a government task force in charge of investigating and prosecuting suspects involved in political killings, said the killings "affect the entire nation and not just a particular group of people."
Blancaflor said Acharon and his co-accused were "considered threats to public safety and security," and urged authorities to arrest them as quickly as possible.
Local newspapers have quoted Acharon as saying that the charges were meant to discredit city Mayor Pedro Acharon, his cousin.
Cuesta was in a coma for several days before he died.(AP)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Filipino reporter verbally abused by police officer
The TMG, formerly known as Highway Patrol Group, enforces traffic laws and regulations and has been tapped in anti-carnapping and anti-hijacking operations. It supervises also the printing of PNP vehicle clearances in coordination with Land and Transportation Office.
Santos Cortez, 29, of the Radio Mindanao Network-dxRZ Radyo Agong, said the incident occurred at the TMG office in Zamboanga City. Cortez was to interview the new TMG regional chief, but since the official was not available he asked to interview the deputy chief, Supt. Daniel Mayoni instead.
Mayoni at first hesitated to give an interview about the TMG’s accomplishments in Zamboanga, but later changed his mind.
But Mayoni was apparently irked after learning that the interview was being recorded and cursed Cortez in front of TMG personnel.
“I was not bringing any particular issue for interview, since I was informed there's a new chief of the TMG Western Mindanao, I feel its proper to determine from the said office their latest concerns and campaigns,” Cortez said.
“Since the deputy chief Supt. Daniel Mayoni is around, I decided to interview him and at first he hesitated but later gave me some details like the number of stolen vehicles and he was conscious that I was using my MP3 for recording.”
As Mayoni is giving more details, Cortez said he moved his recorder nearer to the officer to catch his voice more clearly. “And that's where he got mad. Mayoni suddenly raised his voice in the presence of three other persons inside the room saying, patayin mo yan, patayin mo yan, gago ka pala dinadaya mo ako (Turn it off, turn it off, you fool, you're making a fool out of me).”
Cortez, shocked with Mayoni's reaction took back the recorder, but the officer snatched and slammed it on the table, NUJP said.
“I was really embarrassed and afraid of his actuations, it was my first time to encounter such behavior from a police colonel,” Cortez said.
Cortez said the voice clip was important for his report. “Sound bytes are really important for us to make our report,” he said.
The independent media watchdog, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Chapter tried to reach Mayoni to get his side but he did not return the message. The NUJP has condemned Mayoni's act and demanded for a public apology.
Local newspaper editors said they would embargo all news and press releases from the TMG until Mayoni apologize for his conduct, which is unbecoming of an officer of the law.
The TMG hit the headlines in November 2005 after it killed three alleged carjackers - Anton Cu-Unjieng, Francis Xavier Manzano and Bryan Anthony Dulay - in a shootout near a posh village in Pasig City. But television footage taken at the scene by an independent cameraman showed TMG officers approaching the car and firing at the victims simultaneously.
The Commission of Human Rights (CHR), which investigated the incident, also said there was no shootout, but rubout. A government forensic expert Raquel Fortun who was advising the (CHR), said her findings showed that the victims did not fire any weapons.
Other reports said the three victims, who belonged to prominent families, were allegedly killed by the TMG operatives on suspicion they were members of a crime syndicate called Valle Verde gang. (Mindanao Examiner)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Journalists Pay Tribute To Fallen Colleagues In Philippines
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 21, 2008) - Dozens of journalists held prayers and paid tribute to two slain colleagues in the southern Philippines.
Two broadcasters of the Radio Mindanao Network, Dennis Cuesta and Martin Roxas, were killed in August in separate attacks in the Philippines, bringing to 97 the number of journalists killed in line of duty since President Gloria Arroyo assumed to power in 2001.
The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Many Filipino journalists are also being harassed, coerced and intimidated because of the news they report.
Reporters here on Wednesday held a prayer in front of the radio station dxRZ, owned by Radio Mindanao Network, to honor murdered journalists. They later proceeded to the church where a mass was held for Cuesta and Roxas and others killed in recent years.
It was the first in the history of media in Zamboanga City that journalists from different media outfits gathered together to seek justice for the killings.
Five journalists - Gloria Martin, Rey Bancairin, Greg Hapalla, Jade Ladja and Candelario Cayona Jr. - had been mercilessly killed in Zamboanga City over the past years and all their cases remain unsolved. Their killers were believed to be hired assassins.
“All these cases are in the archives of the court and hardly a resolution and if there’s any, not a single mastermind to the crimes is prosecuted or jailed,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in a statement.
“Speaking, uncovering and writing about the truth in the face of power is also dangerous as we have countless reports of harassment, intimidation, persecution and threats,” it said.
“Speaking, uncovering and writing about the truth in the face of power is also dangerous as we have countless reports of harassment, intimidation, persecution and threats,” it said.
In the past, the local RMN station nearly closed after it aired reports about the operation and existence of the Abu Sayyaf group.
“The quest for justice is not going to end here today. As we continue performing our chosen profession, the struggle will go on and we must continue advocating press freedom,” the journalists said in the statement.
International media organizations and human rights groups have condemned the killings of the journalists and harassment of media workers in the Philippines.
The International Federation of Journalists also pledged its solidarity to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, an IFJ affiliate, and all journalists in the Philippines as they mark a National Day of Mourning for Media in recognition of fallen colleagues.
Alongside the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists and Radio Mindanao Network and other media organizations, NUJP representatives wore black in a nationally coordinated action across the country.
Aside from Zamboanga, short ceremonies paying tribute to killed journalists were held also in metropolitan Manila as well as Baguio, Olongapo, Pampanga, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Davao, Quezon, Bukidnon, Kidapawan, Ozamiz, General Santos and Sulu.
The murders of two Radio Mindanao Network journalists contributed to a newly somber outlook for the safety and protection of the media in the Philippines, following a period of optimism when violence against the media appeared to decrease and the Philippines courts began to take action to investigate the killings of journalists.
Five journalists in the Philippines have lost their lives in the course of their work since the beginning of 2008.
"Journalists and journalists' leaders in the Philippines have shown great courage and determination in fighting for press freedom despite the danger and hostility they confront in the course of doing their jobs," IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
"The IFJ stands with our colleagues in the Philippines in sending a message to all perpetrators of violence against Filipino media workers that we will maintain our commitment as guardians of the public interest and the independent voice of the people."
In mourning all journalists killed while conducting their work, the IFJ is also saddened to learn of the shooting death of Ronaldo Julia, a former journalist for DZGE radio and the Weekly Informer, in Camarines Sur province on August 16, whose murder is reportedly unrelated to his media work.
"The IFJ extends its deep sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of all journalists killed in the Philippines," it said in a statement. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photo: Journalists Pay Honor, Tribute To Fallen Colleagues In Philippines
Journalists pray for murdered members of the Philippine media in front of the radio station dxRZ of the Radio Mindanao Network on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 in Zamboanga City. Two RMN broadcasters, Dennis Cuesta and Martin Roxas, were killed in separate attacks last week in the Philippines; bringing to 97 the number of journalists killed in line of duty since President Gloria Arroyo assumed power in 2001. The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Many Filipino journalists are also being harassed, coerced and intimidated because of the news they report. (Mindanao Examiner Photo) Monday, August 18, 2008
Cop Charged For Murder Of Mindanao Radioman: INQUIRER.net
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
Police said the charges against the police officer were filed after two eyewitnesses tagged him as the gunman. Investigators will also cross-match Acharon with the artist’s sketch earlier released by the police.
The NUJP sought the meeting with the PNP leadership and Task Force Usig, the special police unit tasked to probe media and political killings, after receiving reports there were efforts to whitewash Cuesta’s murder because one of the suspects is a policeman.
Cuesta, who anchored the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and was known for hard-hitting commentaries on issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government, and illegal drugs, slipped into a coma after he was shot in the head and hip, the NUJP said.
He died two days after another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was gunned down in Roxas City, Capiz. Roxas was also an officer of the NUJP chapter in Capiz and was the first member of the media organization to be killed.
The two broadcasters brought the total number of journalists murdered since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power, to 90, the highest death toll under any administration, including the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.(Thea Alberto)
Cop Sacked For Alleged Involvement In Broadcaster's Slay
Razon issued the order against Police Insp. Redempto Acharon after a meeting with officers of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Philippine Press Institute.
The NUJP also demanded for immediate investigation of the GenSan police force for alleged involvement and cover-ups of the investigations of the Cuesta case.
Razon ordered Task Force Usig to look into NUJP's reports.
Razon also ordered the Soccksargen Regional Police District to ensure the safety of Cuesta's family.
To recall, Cuesta was shot by unidentified gunmen last August 4. He died five days later in a hospital.
Friends and colleagues visited Cuesta at the hospital Saturday after hearing he had slightly opened his left eye and moved his eyeball. Doctors later said his heartbeat slowly weakened to the point that it could no longer be revived.
Three days after Cuesta's shooting, another RMN broadcaster, Martin Roxas, was shot dead by assailants in the province of Capiz.
Rey Bayoging, RMN's assistant vice president, said the attacks on Cuesta and Roxas, whom he described as hard-hitting commentators, were work-related.
On August 18, Friday, Ricardo "Anjo" Julia, a journalist from Bicol, was also gunned down.
Reports said that Julia, who worked for a radio station and a local newspaper, sustained four gunshot wounds, possibly from a revolver-type weapon. - (Sophia Dedace)
Friday, August 08, 2008
NUJP To Gov't: Prove Resolve To End Killings - GMANews.TV
In a radio interview, Jose Torres Jr, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chairman, said it is lamentable that the government has yet to concretely show it is serious in stopping the attacks against journalists.
"We hope the government will really show it is serious in solving these cases by targeting the masterminds. We have a culture of impunity now because the killers and masterminds are not being made responsible for these attacks. Just one conviction of a mastermind will change that.
Right now, they are just keeping their silence behind the scenes, probably hunting down the next victim," Torres said in Filipino in an interview on dwIZ radio.
Torres said that in the case of slain Radio Mindanao Network anchor Martin Roxas, police brought in two suspects for questioning as of late Thursday. But he said police should go further by going after the masterminds behind the killing.
Roxas supposedly received death threats before he was shot dead Thursday.
Roxas' killing is the second this week. On Monday, Dennis Cuesta, another RMN anchor, was shot in General Santos City. Cuesta was seriously wounded in the attack.
For his part, Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr said he has ordered the regional directors concerned to solve the cases soonest.
"Identify the suspect, arrest him and file charges... Ipakita natin ang ating resolve na tigilin ang senseless killings na nangyayari rito (Let us show them our resolve to end these senseless killings)," Razon said in an interview on dwIZ. - GMANews.TV
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Broadcaster Shot Dead In Philippines
Martin Roxas, 32, program director of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was killed just minutes after leaving the station at around noon (local time) in central Roxas city.
"He was aboard a motorcycle, and was just 900 metres away from the station when a gunman shot him in the back of the neck," said RMN radio station manager Ely Abarra.
"He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival," Abarra said.
Roxas, who leaves behind a wife and two children aged three and one, had been a radio commentator for more than a decade.
His program tackled local politics, and police said it was possible he could have been attacked because of his work.
Abarra said there was an apparent attempt on Roxas recently, when he was kicked from his motorcycle. Roxas dismissed the incident, but had been taking precautions.
"This week, his topics touched on an ongoing political squabble involving two politicians," Abarra said without elaborating.
Meanwhile, colleague Dennis Cuesta was fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in General Santos city on Monday.
The attacks come more than a month after gunmen shot and killed Bert Sison, a reporter for a community newspaper in Quezon province. Sison's daughter, who is also a journalist, was wounded in the attack.
Roxas is the fourth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists and French group Reporters Without Borders have branded the Philippines the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside Iraq.
Three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, while 12 were killed in 2006.(AAP)
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Shot Mindanao Broadcaster Still In Critical Condition
The bullets reportedly pierced the victim’s right head, left arm and the lower portion of his hip, and hit the spinal column. Cuesta is working for the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in General Santos City.
Cuesta, along with a former RMN reporter, was on his way to a nearby mall when shot from behind by two motorcycle-riding gunmen along the National Highway fronting the Novitiate Square just a few blocks to the dxCP radio station.
“This is the first attempt to gun down a journalist under my time. And I want to see these suspects behind bars,” Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio, police regional director for Central Mindanao, told local police officials after forming Task Force Cuesta composed of representatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, Regional Intelligence Division and Public Information Office to ensure a coordinated effort in the investigation and immediate resolution of the case.
Local journalists from different media groups condemned in the strongest terms the attack against Cuesta and helped find means to provide blood and medicines for their colleague.
They are also organizing an activity to demonstrate their collective grievances on Friday starting with lighting of candles at the crime scene, before marching toward the Oval Plaza down to the city police command in Camp Fermin G. Lira.
The reporters underscore with this move their protest against the “unabated” killings in the city, numbering at 70 reportedly perpetrated by the “brom-brom boys” (local term for motor-riding guns-for-hire) since the start of 2008.
Ronel Degorio, a hard-hitting columnist of the local Sapol News Bulletin noted it is high time for Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Rason to look into the investigation before local residents completely lose their trust and confidence on the city-based law enforcers.
In an interview with media, Serapio said the police are looking into several angles as primary motives of the attack. “This could be work-related considering Cuesta was a hard-hitting radio commentator and also a witness to an illegal detention case. Still, we cannot use these circumstances as evidence. We need to gather hard evidences and witnesses that will lead to the arrest of the suspects,” said Serapio.
The police chief for Central Mindanao referred to the arrest of four suspected killers of Mainland Review columnist Marlene Esperat in Tacurong City, the filing of charges against the suspected killer of RGMA radio commentator Jun Abayon, including the arrest of the two suspected killers of the late Ely Binoya who was gunned down while on his way home on June 17, 2004.
Police said anyone with relevant information could contact the Task Force Cuesta at (083) 301-5083 or use the PNP Hotline 117/166 for immediate action. (Isagani P. Palma)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Journalist Survives Attack But Remains Comatose: NUJP
Cuesta, program director of radio station DXMD of the Radio Mindanao Network here, sustained several gunshot wounds, one bullet shattering his skull and another one lodged in his hip.
Cuesta's wife Gloria said her husband is still unconscious and remains at the intensive care unit of the Saint Elizabeth Hospital where physicians gave him a 50-50 chance of survival.
"Doctors said that if he survives, half of his body would be paralyzed," Gloria said in an interview over dxMD.
Cuesta will undergo another CT scan Tuesday.
RMN assistant area manager Dodong Solis said surgeons removed some 24 bone fragments lodged in the left side of Cuesta's head.
Solis said police were already looking into the possibility that the shooting was related to Cuesta's work. Police were set to release a cartographic sketch of the gunmen based on descriptions given by witnesses.
Cuesta anchors the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and is known for his aggressive commentaries on controversial issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government and illegal drugs.
Cuesta was shot at about 4 p.m. near a mall here after coming from a promotional activity of RMN in nearby Sarangani province.
Witnesses said Cuesta was approached by motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot him with a 45 caliber pistol. The incident happened in a public place frequented by travelers and shoppers.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Broadcaster Shot In Mindanao
It said one of its radio presenter, Dennis Cuesta, was shot and that police is still investigating the attack. RMN said Cuesta was shot in the head.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said a journalist, Bert Sison, was killed in an attack on June 30 in Quezon province. Sison was driving home with two of his daughters when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on his vehicle.
Sison was writing for Regional Bulletin, a Quezon-based weekly, and host of the weekly Harana (Serenade) program on radio dzAT-AM in Lucena City. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, May 09, 2008
Cops Search For Missing Briton In South RP
Local radio reports said James David Rowe was missing since Thursday after he failed to return to his hotel in downtown Zamboanga. Rowe checked in at the Amil Hotel and left with a Filipino man, the Radio Agong reported.
“The foreigner left with a Filipino man and never returned. We reported the matter to the police. We don’t know what happened to him. His things are all inside the room,” a woman at the hotel’s front desk told the Mindanao Examiner.
She said Rowe was alone when he checked in at the hotel, but refused to elaborate further, saying, she is not authorized to talk about it.
Mayor Celso Lobregat has ordered the police to search for the missing foreigner, his spokesperson, Sheila Covarrubias, said. “Police is doing all it can to locate the foreigner,” she said in a separate interview.
Initial police reports, she said, showed that Rowe is engage in buying and selling of automotive spare parts and authorities are investigating whether his business has anything to do with his disappearance.
“At this time, we still do not know what really happened. We can only speculate,” Covarrubias said.
The United States Embassy last month said it received information that extremists may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in Zamboanga City.
It warned Americans not to travel to Zamboanga which had been targeted in the past by Abu Sayyaf militants whose group is tied to al-Qaeda terror network.
Australia also issued a similar warning last month and told its citizens not to travel to Zamboanga and other areas in the southern region. Two homemade bombs exploded in Zamboanga City a week after the US and Australian warnings. (Mindanao Examiner)