4 December 2003
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Republic of the Philippines
Via email: [email protected]
Dear Excellency,
The International Federation of Journalists, the global organisation of journalists, representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is gravely concerned over the murder of radio broadcaster Nelson Nadura.
According to our information, on 02 December, Nelson Nadura a ‘blocktimer’ for DYME radio station was shot by two unidentified men in Masbate, 250 kilometres from Manila. He is the seventh journalist killed this year in the Philippines. Nadura was traveling on his motorcycle from the station after completing his regular morning commentary show from 7:30am –8:30am, when he was attacked.
Currently the motive is unknown, however police are examining the possibility that Nadura may have been targeted because of his past affiliation with the New People's Army (NPA), a communist-led guerilla group that has been fighting the government since 1969.
The IFJ believes that the situation in the Philippines is out of control and that it should be treated with the highest level of concern.
The IFJ is calling on the Government of the Philippines to make a commitment to press freedom and to ensure the safety of all journalists working in the Philippines, by launching a full investigation into the death of Nadura and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
There is no worse form of censorship than violence. It is essential that journalists are free from threats of violence and allowed to work in an environment free from fear.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President, IFJ
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Republic of the Philippines
Via email: [email protected]