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Several media organizations condemned the charges of financing terrorism filed against Deo Montescarlos, calling these as an attempt to stifle press freedom.
Known for its critical coverage of tuition and other fee increases (TOFI) and administrative policies affecting students, the Cebu-based student publication Today’s Carolinian was removed from its office without prior notice.
“While Meta is correct in saying it should not be the arbiter of truth, this change as well as the decreasing emphasis on news and the prioritization of emotion and engagement, risks making truth trivial, inconsequential and just a distraction from being distracted by online noise."
We want to use this case as a potential defense mechanism for journalists who experienced the same kind of attacks and harassment,” said Atom Araullo in a press conference, Dec. 19 in Quezon City.
“I can’t accept until now. It has been 15 years, but there is still no further action. I lost my trust in the government,” said Catherine Nuñez whose son Victor, a UNTV reporter, was one of the 32 media workers and 26 others killed in the bloody massacre.
“When the case against us was dismissed, we were elated. The decision is a milestone in defending and fighting for press freedom,” said Sison, also former chairperson of the Masbate chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
“This may be a preview of things to come during the actual election period. Freedom of expression advocates must be alerted and must collectively stand against these online attacks.”
“We remain vigilant and will continue to stand with Doc Gerry’s family, friends, and supporters as we wait for the trial and the resolution of this decade-long case,” said NUJP, adding that his “custody is just a first step in holding Reyes to account.”
“We appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to help us remind the government to honor the rights of Cumpio under the Mandela Rules and other human rights related to her being a political detainee."
Journalist Atom Araullo completed the presentation of all four witnesses for the civil case he filed against red taggers Lorrain Badoy-Patosa and Jeffrey Celiz during a hearing before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 306, June 11.
In the Philippines, red-tagging is being done by the powers-that-be to intimidate, silence, and later justify grave human rights violations against activists and government critics. Journalists are not spared from this as there are attempts to stop them from pursuing independent and critical journalism.
In his keynote speech at the opening of the historic 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said critical journalists are being subjected to red-tagging and surveillance, or are faced with the charges of libel or cyber libel.
At least 12 men, all with guns and wearing bonnets, forced their way inside the gates during the demolition. One of the men pointed a gun at Rowena “Weng” Quejada and told her to stop taking videos. The armed men proceeded to forcibly take her cellphone and bag, including all her IDs and her wallet which contained cash.
On International Women’s Day, journalists have called for the release of detained community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
“We are here today to urge and call upon President Marcos Jr.’s administration and the law enforcement agency to act upon this crucial piece of information and to immediately arrest the mastermind on Ortega’s murder. It’s time to say enough is enough."
“The recent visit and observations made by UNSR Khan have brought to light the unjust state of their prolonged detention, begging an immediate review and dismissal of the charges against them, should evidence be lacking,” the groups said.
"Insisting on the blocking of our websites runs counter to the government's claims of having a vibrant democracy. We call on the Philippine government to stop violating the people's right to free expression and opinion," they said.
"The Philippine government will become a laughing stock in the international community if it does not heed SR Khan's findings."
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