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Media groups in Albay province reminded a Bicol-based government official on the role of private media outlets and the free press not being a threat in dealing with public scrutiny.
A memorandum issued by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit based in La Union province reveals the existence of “Project ‘Exit the Greylist.’” It directly links the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) process to at least one terrorist financing case against an activist.
We assert that journalism is no crime. The public service that journalism brings is essential now more than ever amid our increasingly fragile democracy. We urge the public to join our call: End the systematic use of anti-terrorism policies against civilians, junk the Anti-Terror Law, and abolish the NTF-ELCAC.
“Why did they attack activists in Cagayan Valley? Why was I included in trumped-up charges? Like Frenchie Mae, I witnessed the problems in the society. An attack on journalists is an attack on the core of democracy.”
Solidarity and support calling for the protection of student publications and accountability from authorities poured in from different campus publications and university councils in the Bicol region against Villafuerte who is running for governor.
“Student publications play a significant role in representing the youth and amplifying their voices on issues that matter.”
Several media organizations condemned the charges of financing terrorism filed against Deo Montescarlos, calling these as an attempt to stifle press freedom.
Known for its critical coverage of tuition and other fee increases (TOFI) and administrative policies affecting students, the Cebu-based student publication Today’s Carolinian was removed from its office without prior notice.
“While Meta is correct in saying it should not be the arbiter of truth, this change as well as the decreasing emphasis on news and the prioritization of emotion and engagement, risks making truth trivial, inconsequential and just a distraction from being distracted by online noise."
We want to use this case as a potential defense mechanism for journalists who experienced the same kind of attacks and harassment,” said Atom Araullo in a press conference, Dec. 19 in Quezon City.
“I can’t accept until now. It has been 15 years, but there is still no further action. I lost my trust in the government,” said Catherine Nuñez whose son Victor, a UNTV reporter, was one of the 32 media workers and 26 others killed in the bloody massacre.
“When the case against us was dismissed, we were elated. The decision is a milestone in defending and fighting for press freedom,” said Sison, also former chairperson of the Masbate chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
“This may be a preview of things to come during the actual election period. Freedom of expression advocates must be alerted and must collectively stand against these online attacks.”
“We remain vigilant and will continue to stand with Doc Gerry’s family, friends, and supporters as we wait for the trial and the resolution of this decade-long case,” said NUJP, adding that his “custody is just a first step in holding Reyes to account.”
“We appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to help us remind the government to honor the rights of Cumpio under the Mandela Rules and other human rights related to her being a political detainee."
Journalist Atom Araullo completed the presentation of all four witnesses for the civil case he filed against red taggers Lorrain Badoy-Patosa and Jeffrey Celiz during a hearing before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 306, June 11.
In the Philippines, red-tagging is being done by the powers-that-be to intimidate, silence, and later justify grave human rights violations against activists and government critics. Journalists are not spared from this as there are attempts to stop them from pursuing independent and critical journalism.
In his keynote speech at the opening of the historic 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said critical journalists are being subjected to red-tagging and surveillance, or are faced with the charges of libel or cyber libel.
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