NUJP condemns latest media slay attempt
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned Monday the near-slay attempt against a newspaper publisher in Davao del Norte during the weekend.
Maximo Quindao, a publisher of Mindanao Truck News, was shot by two unidentified armed men in front of his house in Tagum, Davao del Norte on Sunday.
Quindao, 46, sustained gunshots to his chest and remains in critical condition.
In a statement, NUJP said the ambush is reflective of the difficult situation facing mediamen in the country.
"The attack against one mediaman should only be seen as an attack on the public's right to know. It is press freedom which is being assailed here," the NUJP said in a statement.
The group urged journalists to unite and press police and judicial authorities to follow-up on cases involving newsmen.
An international fact-finding mission organized by the International Federation of Journalists and NUJP earlier said a widespread culture of violence is tolerated and even condoned by government officials.
IFJ representative from Australia Gerard Noonan said the mission discovered instances of senior government officials, including mayors in two major cities in the south of the country, who openly supported the use of death squads in dealing with unruly elements in their towns.
"When such a culture is allowed to flourish at an official level, it is little wonder that aggrieved local strongmen or political figures turn to hitmen to get even with the media," Noonan said.
He added: "The IFJ treats this matter as one of utmost seriousness. It is completely unacceptable in a country with democratic credentials like the Philippines."
The NUJP has recorded the deaths of 13 Philippine journalists in 2004. The NUJP is documenting each of these cases and is seeking to pressure the government to reopen a number of the cases.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned Monday the near-slay attempt against a newspaper publisher in Davao del Norte during the weekend.
Maximo Quindao, a publisher of Mindanao Truck News, was shot by two unidentified armed men in front of his house in Tagum, Davao del Norte on Sunday.
Quindao, 46, sustained gunshots to his chest and remains in critical condition.
In a statement, NUJP said the ambush is reflective of the difficult situation facing mediamen in the country.
"The attack against one mediaman should only be seen as an attack on the public's right to know. It is press freedom which is being assailed here," the NUJP said in a statement.
The group urged journalists to unite and press police and judicial authorities to follow-up on cases involving newsmen.
An international fact-finding mission organized by the International Federation of Journalists and NUJP earlier said a widespread culture of violence is tolerated and even condoned by government officials.
IFJ representative from Australia Gerard Noonan said the mission discovered instances of senior government officials, including mayors in two major cities in the south of the country, who openly supported the use of death squads in dealing with unruly elements in their towns.
"When such a culture is allowed to flourish at an official level, it is little wonder that aggrieved local strongmen or political figures turn to hitmen to get even with the media," Noonan said.
He added: "The IFJ treats this matter as one of utmost seriousness. It is completely unacceptable in a country with democratic credentials like the Philippines."
The NUJP has recorded the deaths of 13 Philippine journalists in 2004. The NUJP is documenting each of these cases and is seeking to pressure the government to reopen a number of the cases.
posted by Joe Torres @ 2:43 AM
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