In a society beleaguered with relentless attacks by the reactionary government which imposes various militarist policies such as MO 32, EO 70, NTF-ELCAC and AFP-PNP Joint Campaign Plan Kapanatagan, it is not perplexing that the cruelty suffered by the ordinary people will likewise be experienced by media practitioners.
Freedom of expression remains farcical in the country. This is the tragic reality faced by the Filipino media and people. This was exemplified by the Maguindanao Massacre, 12 years ago. Even though some of the criminal perpetrators were already convicted, the pursuit for the other culprits of the despicable crime still continues up until now. The atrocity and violence against members of the press remain – belying why the Philippines ranked seventh among the worst countries for journalists.
Here in Bicol, Bicolano advocates of press freedom experience the violence imposed upon them by the Duterte fascist regime. According to a report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), since June 30, 2016 until April 30, 2021, there were 223 documented cases of threats and attacks against members of the media. Seventeen of those were from the Bicol region. In the same period, there were 19 documented cases of political killings against media practitioners. In Bicol, five journalists were killed from 2016 until recent. They were Larry Que, who was killed last December 2016 in Catanduanes, Joaquin Briones from Masbate who was killed last March 2017, Joey Llana of Zagitsit FM last 2018 in Albay, Jobert “Pulpog” Bercasio last September 15, 2020 in Sorsogon and Pastor Ronnie Villamor of DYME who was also killed last November 14, 2020 in Masbate.
A recent case of harassment against local Bicol media was experienced by Zagitsit FM station in Albay, when its FM station was closed during the first week of November 2021. There were also reports received by NDF-Bikol of cases involving some Bicolano journalists being forced to hide after being harassed and monitored by military elements after asking the butchers how they categorize civilians and communities they militarize as NPA supporters. In sheer fear against critical thinking and analysis of the Bicolano media, the military resorts to blatantly using violence and terror to silence journalists. There are also some reports from Bicolano media outlets regarding the National Telecommunications Commission’s directive to prohibit the airing of statements coming from revolutionary organizations because it is forbidden to criticize the government. This was ordered verbally by the said commission to members of the media who simply sought to exercise press freedom and the Journalists’ Code of Ethics, which provides the need to show different sides of certain issues.
But violence does not result to fear. It only strengthens the resolve and ignites the struggle of journalists for their right to unceasingly expose and inform the people the truth embodied in every news they write and broadcast. Unyieldingly, they further exercise a profession that serves as a medium to voice out the demands of the exploited people. The continuing struggle to fully achieve justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre will likewise be constantly embodied by every journalist in performing their noble duty.
In line with the commemoration of the 12th year anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, the NDF-Bikol honors all the martyred members of the media and the patriotic Bicolano journalists who continuously struggle and face the dangers caused by the fascist regime. Expect the continuous support and advocacy of NDF-Bikol and the people for the courageous and sincere fulfillment of their duties. The people stands with them in achieving a liberated, liberating, just and prosperous society.#
PRWC Newsroom 