Philippines - Media Safety
Philippines: Threats faced by Filipino Journalists
23.08.2005
Briefing paper prepared by the Center for Community Journalism and Development
Even international press organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the Paris-based Reporters without Borders have sent one after the other fact-finding missions to the Philippines, obviously alarmed at the distressing press situation.
The Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), which works with local journalists and citizens in defining and enlarging an enabling environment for governance reforms, formed in 2003 together with other media NGOs the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) in the wake of successive journalist killings. The FFFJ provides financial assistance to families of journalists killed in the line of duty and provides training on the responsible practice of the craft. It works with the Rory Peck Trust in providing scholarship funds for children of slain journalists.
The threats to Filipino journalists come in many forms depending on the geographic area where they operate. Generally, journalists practicing their craft in Metro Manila are relatively safer than their kindred in the provinces especially in the island of Mindanao.
In the metropolis, threats against journalists are often in the form of multimillion peso libel suits that are meant to harass reporters and editors rather than responses to irresponsible journalism or legitimate complaints against inaccurate reporting. Coercion through outright bribery or other blandishments like all-expenses-paid trips abroad are also used to persuade journalists from pursuing critical stories.
This may be attributed to the fact that journalists in Metro Manila operate in an environment where systems of redress are readily available and the relationship between the journalist and the subject of his story is impersonal. They are also comparatively better-trained than their provincial counterparts and in the case of the big papers and broadcast networks, enjoy the benefit of having legal advisers readily at hand.
Except during the series of coup attempts against the Cory Aquino presidency in the late 80s when Metro Manila reporters were thrust in front-line situations, they generally are better off than their colleagues elsewhere in the country. During the coup attempt, a news photographer was killed when his press van was mistakenly fired upon by rebel troops.
Outside Metro Manila the situation drastically changes. The cases of journalist killings documented by the FFFJ showed that many of the reporters were killed because of critical stories they wrote or aired on the radio.
Here's a brief glimpse of the press situation in Mindanao and the Visayas in the context of covering dangerous assignments:
The vulnerability of journalists practicing their craft in the provinces is brought about by several factors, chiefly by the near-absence of the rule of law particularly in remote areas, the presence of armed bandits, terrorist groups, Communist and Moro separatist rebels, political warlords and powerful clans who would brook no erosion of their power.
In some cases, this may be attributed to the lack of training of local journalists many of whom were literally plucked off the streets shortly after the restoration of democracy in 1986 as radio commentators, field reporters, and editors.
A failure of governance and a culture of impunity in many instances also serve to encourage more killings. Of the more than 60 cases of journalist killings recorded since 1986 by various media groups, not a single one was solved. The Damalerio case is now being tried in a Cebu City court but only after pressure was brought to bear by local and international press organizations like the FFFJ on authorities.
The lack of widespread awareness about human rights and the role of media in a democracy also contribute to an environment where journalists become fair game to those who feel threatened by media exposes.
Some of the groups that pose a threat to journalists:
The Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD) works with other press associations and media NGOs in helping upgrade the skills of community journalists and raise the professional and ethical standards of media as the best protection against threats.
But external factors, such as those cited above, constantly erode whatever gains have been made in the area of media reforms. While the CCJD discourages the carrying of firearms, a growing number of journalists in some areas around the country have taken to tucking pistols in their waistbands. In Pagadian City for example, a local shooting range is now enjoying brisk business as local journalists began taking target practice lessons.
Other reporters believe that they would need further training on how to behave while covering combat situations citing instances of cameramen shooting video while standing behind military armored vehicles while fighting is going on. Others deplore the fact that their news organizations do not have the capacity to provide them with the necessary logistics for covering war or conflict situations or even insurance coverage.
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