INSI launches safety appeal to aid journalists in Philippines

Source : INSI 24.11.2009

Brussels, 24 November - The International News Safety Institute on Tuesday launched an appeal for money to help journalists in the Philippines protect themselves following the mass murder of journalists and other news media staff in an election-related attack.

INSI will use all contributions to help provide safety training free of charge to Filipino journalists working in danger zones.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said at least 12 journalists and 8 media staff were among some 46 people killed in the atrocity in Maguindanao province on Monday. It was the worst single death toll for the news media since 48 died in a plane crash in Iran in 2005.

"The Philippines is now the most dangerous country in the world for the news media," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "Clearly, covering the elections -- a vital element of democracy -- is going to be even more hazardous than usual. We must do all we can to help our colleagues there better protect themselves."

INSI aims to provide the training within the next 4-5 weeks.

All who wish to contribute can do so through the INSI website www.newssafety.org

Simply click on the Donate button and follow the simple instructions.

Bank transfers can be made to:

International News Safety Institute (INSI)                        

International account number: IBAN  BE 97751201634849                        

SWIFT Code: AXABBE22                        

AXA Banque                        

Rue du Congrès, 20                        

1000 Brussels                        

BELGIUM                        

Communication: Philippines Safety Appeal

INSI is a non-governmental organisation devoted to the safety of journalists and other news media in dangerous situations around the world.

Any questions on this appeal should be address to Rodney Pinder, email rodney.pinder@newssafety.org or tel: +44 7734 709267