IFJ calls for end to witch-hunt against Filipino journalists
Further compelling proof of the Philippines Government's inertia in the face of journalist persecution has emerged even since the IFJ released its report last week into the alarming death rate of journalists in the Philippines.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has accused several journalist organisations, including IFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), of being "influenced" by the Communist Party of the Philippines, in a Government report titled "Knowing the Enemy".
Coinciding with this, reports have emerged of Frank Gupit, a local Philippine radio commentator's 29 March order for arrest for alleged defamation.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns this campaign of intimidation against journalists and is calling for an immediate halt to the witch-hunt.
"An intrinsic culture of victimisation and persecution has been allowed to infect the world of journalism in the Philippines and it must not be allowed to continue," said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
"To be engaging in such out of date cold war rhetoric, when the journalists of the Philippines are being murdered in record numbers, is simply offensive," said Warren.
Despite being charged with defamation for allegedly accusing someone of bribery, Frank Gupit of the Manila Broadcasting Corporation-affiliate Radyo Natin, insists he will continue hosting his radio program from his detention cell.
"We will not stop exposing anomalies in the provincial government. We will see what the reaction of the people of Davao Oriental will be," said Gupit.
IFJ President Christopher Warren said that these latest developments prove that now is the time for the Government of President Arroyo to recognise the seriousness of this situation.
"Journalists are simply unable to carry out their work in this climate of fear and intimidation, and with the world's attention increasingly aware of their plight, now is the time to halt this persecution once and for all," said Warren.
For further information contact IFJ President Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
