Philippines Second Most Dangerous Country for Journalists

Iraq is number one, says IFJ
By Bek Tulad

Christopher Warren, President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), accused the Arroyo government of being unresponsive to the numerous journalist killings happening in the country. With 50 journalists killed from 2001 up to February 2007, the Philippines which was originally known to have the freest form of press is now recognized in the international arena as the “second most dangerous country for journalists.” Iraq, with it’s war against the Bush administration is still number one.

According to IFJ, 2006 was the worst year for journalists as “at least 155 murders, assassinations, and unexplained deaths” happened in various countries; 13 of which came from the Philippines.

Political

It is suspected that majority of the killings are political. Most of the journalists who have been found to be dead or missing have been assassinated because of their work on politics. Marlene Esperat for example was shot by hired assassins last March 24, 2007 in her very own home. She was allegedly killed for “her exposé on graft and corrupt practices in the agriculture department.” Like her, many other journalists have died because they discovered the corrupt and unjust ways of certain politicians and had the guts to reveal the truth.

This continuous deaths and threats to journalists in the country have earned the Arroyo administration much warranted criticisms, especially since the number of dead journalists under the six-year term of the Arroyo administration has been found out to be alarmingly higher than that of the 21-year reign of Marcos.

In a meeting of the IFJ with numerous media representatives from various countries, Warren said that, “The Philippine government can no longer ignore this terrible record and we join our colleagues around the world in demanding an end to the culture of impunity which has flourished under the Arroyo administration.”

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on the other hand, has called on Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to “do his job” in giving justice to slain and threatened journalists.

Taking action?

In light of the said killings and attacks on the government, President Arroyo has tasked the Supreme Court to designate special courts across the country which will address the pressing issue of political killings. She has also created the Melo Commission which is designed to solve the mystery behind the mysterious killings happening in the nation.

Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel however denounces the Palace by not making public the recommendations and findings of the Commission. Pimentel suspects that the military might have been found to be the perpetrator of the said killings which is why the government chooses to be silent.

Despite the vagueness with the actions of the government, journalists in the country still continue to fight for their much deprived rights. Several have tied up with international organizations to pressure the Arroyo government to actually do something with what’s happening to the freedom of the press, and the protection of those who serve and work for it.

Warren said in his meeting with various media practitioners from the Philippines that “This has gone on for too long, and far too many lives have been wasted, for the government to continue to remain idle.”