Killing of Mindanao journalist a step backward for press freedom
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called the killing of broadcaster Rolando Morales "another step backwards in the fight for press freedom."
Morales, anchorman of Tingog sa Barangay (Voice of the Village) program of Radio Mindanao Network, was shot by eight still unidentified motorcycle-riders around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday in Polomolok town, South Cotabato (not General Santos City as earlier reported).
The IFJ, an organization that represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, said Morales' murder "only added to the culture of violence toward journalists that has formed in the Philippines."
"The pattern of violence emerging in the Philippines is not acceptable. The pursuit of truth should not come with a death sentence," said IFJ President Christopher Warren in a statement issued on Monday.
Morales is the sixth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year, and the 69th since 1986 when democracy was restored in the country.
"The (Philippine) government needs to take a stand for press freedom and they need to do it now before another life is lost," Warren said.
Morales, who had finished broadcasting his radio show minutes earlier, suffered 15 gunshot wounds and died before he was brought to hospital.
Just a week before the ambush Morales reportedly accused several barangay (village) officials of involvement in summary executions and illegal drugs.
The killing of Morales followed the increasing attacks and threats against Filipino journalists, including the murder of Philip Agustin, publisher and editor of the Starline Times Recorder in May.
"The IFJ strongly condemned the murder as an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression and called on authorities to immediately investigate the incident," the IFJ statement said.
The group echoed the call of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippine for all Filipino journalists to fight attempts to silence the media.
"Filipino journalists are still at a great risk despite government claims of upholding press freedom. They have to take a stand and stop the killing," Warren said.
The Philippines has been declared second only to Iraq, a war-torn nation, as the most deadly place for journalists to work, coming second on the IFJ's 2004 journalists and media workers killed list.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called the killing of broadcaster Rolando Morales "another step backwards in the fight for press freedom."
Morales, anchorman of Tingog sa Barangay (Voice of the Village) program of Radio Mindanao Network, was shot by eight still unidentified motorcycle-riders around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday in Polomolok town, South Cotabato (not General Santos City as earlier reported).
The IFJ, an organization that represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, said Morales' murder "only added to the culture of violence toward journalists that has formed in the Philippines."
"The pattern of violence emerging in the Philippines is not acceptable. The pursuit of truth should not come with a death sentence," said IFJ President Christopher Warren in a statement issued on Monday.
Morales is the sixth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year, and the 69th since 1986 when democracy was restored in the country.
"The (Philippine) government needs to take a stand for press freedom and they need to do it now before another life is lost," Warren said.
Morales, who had finished broadcasting his radio show minutes earlier, suffered 15 gunshot wounds and died before he was brought to hospital.
Just a week before the ambush Morales reportedly accused several barangay (village) officials of involvement in summary executions and illegal drugs.
The killing of Morales followed the increasing attacks and threats against Filipino journalists, including the murder of Philip Agustin, publisher and editor of the Starline Times Recorder in May.
"The IFJ strongly condemned the murder as an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression and called on authorities to immediately investigate the incident," the IFJ statement said.
The group echoed the call of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippine for all Filipino journalists to fight attempts to silence the media.
"Filipino journalists are still at a great risk despite government claims of upholding press freedom. They have to take a stand and stop the killing," Warren said.
The Philippines has been declared second only to Iraq, a war-torn nation, as the most deadly place for journalists to work, coming second on the IFJ's 2004 journalists and media workers killed list.
posted by Joe Torres @ 9:05 PM
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