The International Federation of
Journalists (IFJ) today pledges its solidarity to the National Union of
Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP),
an IFJ affiliate, and all journalists in the Philippines as they mark a National
Day of Mourning for Media in recognition of fallen colleagues.
Alongside the Freedom Fund for
Filipino Journalists and Radio Mindanao Network and other media organisations, NUJP representatives wore black in a nationally
coordinated action across the country.
Short ceremonies paying tribute to
killed journalists were held in metropolitan Manila
as well as Baguio, Olongapo, Pampanga, Sorsogon,
Iloilo, Capiz, Zamboanga, Davao, Quezon, Bukidnon, Kidapawan, Ozamiz,
General Santos and Jolo.
The murders of two Radio Mindanao
Network (RMN) journalists earlier this month contributed to a newly sombre
outlook for the safety and protection of the media in the Philippines, following a period of optimism when
violence against the media appeared to decrease and the Philippines
courts began to take action to investigate the killings of journalists.
Five journalists in the Philippines
have lost their lives in the course of their work since the beginning of 2008.
“Journalists and journalists’
leaders in the Philippines
have shown great courage and determination in fighting for press freedom despite
the danger and hostility they confront in the course of doing their jobs,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.
“The IFJ stands with our
colleagues in the Philippines
in sending a message to all perpetrators of violence against Filipino media
workers that we will maintain our commitment as guardians of the public
interest and the independent voice of the people.”
In mourning all journalists killed
while conducting their work, the IFJ is also saddened to learn of the shooting death
of Ronaldo Julia, a former journalist for DZGE radio and the Weekly Informer, in Camarines Sur province
on August 16, whose murder is reportedly unrelated to his media work.
The IFJ extends its deep sympathy
to the family, friends and colleagues of all journalists killed in the Philippines.
For further
information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific
on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 in
122 countries worldwide