Protect journalists in May polls, government urged

MALOLOS CITY , Philippines  - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urged the Arroyo administration yesterday to protect the local media in the coming May elections as journalists across the country commemorated the 60th day of the Maguindanao massacre which left 57 persons, including 32 of their colleagues, dead.

“The massacre underlines the terrible dangers that Filipino journalists face. It also highlights the inability and

unwillingness of the state to ensure the protection and safety of journalists who are seeking to perform their duties,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said in a statement quoting the IFJ report.

The number of media victims was recently revised to 32 after it was confirmed that Saksi News photographer Jepon Cadagdagon was among the victims. The figure includes Reynaldo “Bebot” Monay who remains missing and is presumed dead.

The report entitled “Massacre in the Philippines: International Solidarity Mission Rapid Assessment” was released yesterday. It was the result of a probe conducted from Dec. 5 to 10 in association with the NUJP, an affiliate of the IFJ.

The investigating team included representatives of leading journalists’ rights and press freedom organizations, including the IFJ, Indonesia’s Alliance of Independent Journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists, International Media Support, International News Safety Institute, the Institute for Studies on the Free Flow of Information, Australia’s Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the Southeast Asia Press Alliance, the Thai Journalists’ Association, and Union Network International.

The IFJ called on the government to ensure that Filipino journalists are able to report fairly and freely on the election campaign without undue risk.

“Power holders in the Philippines must act urgently on all the recommendations of the mission’s report to reverse once and for all the country’s shameful culture of impunity for the murders of journalists, tragically underscored on Nov. 23,” said IFJ general secretary Aidan White.

One of the concerns highlighted in the report is the alleged role of Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao, in the gruesome massacre.

The IFJ urged a full investigation into Cayton’s role and actions preceding the massacre.

Cayton, who denied requests for a military escort for the doomed convoy, has been promoted to vice commander of the Philippine Army.

New arms find

Police unearthed last Thursday a cache of explosives and rounds of assorted ammunition from a corn farm owned by Maguindanao Vice Gov. Akmad Tato Ampatuan in Mamasapano town.

Dug up were 3,040 rounds of caliber 7.62 mm ammunition; 420 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition; 3,900 rounds of 5.56 mm linked ammunition for K3 light machinegun; 4,000 rounds of linked caliber 30 machinegun ammunition; 17 rounds of ammunition for a 90 mm recoil-less rifle; 48 pieces of 81 mm mortar rounds; 90 pieces of 60 mm mortar rounds; and 3,700 rounds of linked ammunition for a caliber .50 heavy machinegun.

Akmad Ampatuan, along with four other members of the Ampatuan clan, is under custody for rebellion.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Versoza, meanwhile, called on the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to prosecute all those found to have possessed illegal explosives.

“The possibilities are unimaginable if these explosives will fall into the wrong hands and are used against government troops,” Verzosa said.

Last year, the President signed Republic Act 9516 imposing heavier penalty for illegal possession of explosives.

RA 9516 or the Act Increasing Penalties for Illegal Possession of Explosives took effect on Jan. 11, 2009. It amended Presidential Decree (PD) 1866 or the Law on Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.

The amendment has made illegal possession of explosives a non-bailable offense and punishable with reclusion perpetua or 40 years’ imprisonment. - With Mike Frialde and Cesar Ramirez