The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has reported a disturbing trend of attacks against journalists during the first two years of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. According to the NUJP, there have been over 100 incidents of attacks, marking a 49 percent increase compared to the previous administration under Rodrigo Duterte.
The NUJP released a statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the lack of policy changes to ensure the safety of media workers in the Philippines. Despite some slight improvement since the end of Duterte’s presidency, journalists continue to face the risk of retribution for simply doing their jobs.
To highlight the severity of the situation, the NUJP referred to the World Press Freedom Index, which now ranks the Philippines below its Southeast Asian neighbors including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste in terms of safety for journalists. This is a troubling development for a country that has historically prided itself on its commitment to democracy and freedom of the press.
Tragically, the NUJP revealed that four murder cases of journalists remain unsolved, including the killing of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa in 2022. These unresolved cases not only represent a failure of justice but also contribute to an atmosphere of fear and impunity.
In addition to the murders, the NUJP documented 36 incidents of harassment, which encompassed various forms of intimidation. Journalists have reported incidents of surveillance, being tailed by suspicious individuals, and being accosted while on coverage. It is important to note that these incidents are not isolated, as they are part of a larger pattern of harassment that journalists in the Philippines face. The NUJP also highlighted the issue of red-tagging, with 20 incidents recorded. Red-tagging refers to the practice of labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists, which puts them at risk of harassment and violence.
In light of these challenges, the NUJP expressed its anticipation for the visit of United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to discuss the state of press freedom in the country. The NUJP welcomes this opportunity to engage in a dialogue with Khan and hopes that she will take their recommendations into consideration. The goal is to create a freer press and an environment that is more conducive to the exercise of freedom of expression in the Philippines.
It is crucial to address the issue of attacks against journalists in the Philippines. A free and independent press is essential for the functioning of a democratic society. Journalists play a vital role in holding those in power accountable and providing the public with accurate and reliable information. Without a safe environment for journalists to operate, the truth can be suppressed, and the voices of the marginalized can be silenced.
The international community should pay attention to the situation in the Philippines and support efforts to protect press freedom. Governments and organizations can exert diplomatic pressure and provide assistance to local advocacy groups working to safeguard journalists’ rights. By standing together, we can send a powerful message that attacks against journalists will not be tolerated, and the pursuit of truth and justice will prevail.
Source: The Manila Times
