January 23, 2006 · Posted in: In the News, Media
Again, second most dangerous
country for journalists
MORE than two weeks after being declared as the second most dangerous place for journalists in 2005 by two international media watchdogs, the Philippines has again earned the same dubious distinction, this time from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
In its annual report released today, the Brussels-based IFJ said the Philippines ranked second to Iraq for the second consecutive year as the most dangerous country in the world for media workers as it accounted for 10 out of a total of 36 deaths in the Asia-Pacific region.
Unsurprisingly, war-torn Iraq topped the IFJ list with 35 journalists killed last year even as South Asia again emerged as the most dangerous within the Asia-Pacific, with journalist killings in Pakistan (6), Sri Lanka (4), Bangladesh (3), India (3), Afghanistan (2), and Nepal (2).
The deadly situation has prompted IFJ President Christopher Warren to call 2005 as "a year of tragedy and the targetting of journalists in the Asia-Pacific region."
IFJ’s 2005 casualty count of 150 was higher compared to those of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) as it also included those not only killed in wars and assassinations, but also those who died as a consequence of natural disasters, and accidents while on duty (like the 48 who perished in a military plane crash in Iran, and three in the massive earthquake that hit South Asia).
Of this number though, the IFJ said that 89 were killed "in the line of duty," with "many singled out for assassination by killers working for political extremists, paramilitary forces or criminals."
The IFJ, which represents about half a million journalists in 110 countries worldwide, noted that less than 10 percent of cases of deliberate killings of journalists resulted in serious investigations by the authorities, with only a handful of killers brought to trial. Calling the impunity in the murder of journalists as "the intolerable scandal of our times that can no longer be ignored by the international community," it urged the United Nations Security Council and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to mobilize governments to act against the continued targetting and killing of journalists.
5 Responses to Again, second most dangerous
country for journalists
naykika
January 24th, 2006 at 1:13 am
From the Link Reporter without Frontiers:
Conviction of Edgar Damalerio’s killer first success in the fight against impunity
Former policeman Guillermo Wapile was sentenced to life imprisonment on 29 November 2005 for the murder in 2002 of newspaper editor and radio journalist Edgar Damalerio
My question is: Is the murder comitted by Mr. Wapile alone? Everyone knew there is instigator(s) behind it and the authorities should have spared no expense and effort to investigate beyond the murder itself.
The report also mentioned that witnesses became victims duration of trial. Unless the Police authorities get agressive and go deep, the resolution of the murder alone did not solve the totality of the crime.
My Suggestion therefore: Negotiate with other countries such as Austrilia, Canada, New Zealand or any one where the tentacles of these Cowards ordering the Hits will get chop, to accept as Haven for the Willing Witnesses against these instigators and masterminds, even those lackeys who are comitting the deeds for them. I believe given the choice there will be witnesses willing and would like to see these people spend their lives somewhere where they can not do no harm.
ryebosco
January 24th, 2006 at 11:12 am
My fellow countrymen, how about turning this pathetic reputation around for next year. I want to see the following headlines for 2007:
Philippines, Second Most Dangerous Country for the Corrupt
Philippines, Second Only to Japan in Asian Economy
Philippines, Second Most Disciplined Country in the World
Philippines, Second Only to Singapore in Cleanliness
Philippines, Second Only to U.S. in Tourism
Are the above possible? Again, I implore the assassins in our country who are being bribed to target journalists and other hardworking, honest Filipinos…STOP KILLING THEM, KILL YOUR MASTERS INSTEAD. MAKE YOURSELF USEFUL FOR ONCE.
Sleepyjohn
January 25th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
It is unfortunate that media people are primary targets of brutal murders, assassinations or even attempts to massacre journalists’ families, just so to drill in the opposing minds of those journalists, that freedom of speech has its limits. That the bosses of these assassins must not be opposed, must not exposed their illicit activities, affairs or any other scandals, ‘tarnishing’ their ‘good’ images!
It is sad to note that there are people whose values are below par, people who will kill for money, people who will pay others to ‘silence’ journalists…
What happened to the word CONSCIENCE? Did it lose its meaning or definition? Obviously conscience has been redefined in the countries mentioned, where killing journalists became a big assassins’ business.
In the Philippines, specially in the provinces, there were journalists both in radio and print that thrive on sensationalism, instead of facts; personal attacks, instead of attacking the wrongdoings of officials while in office; or using the tabloids or the airwaves in extorting from concerned personalities or politicians. These select few radio commentators, we call in the broadcast industry as AC/DC. Attack and Collect/ Defend and Collect just to stay alive. But one will be six feet under the ground who will not subscribe to this AC/DC thinking or strategy.
The cause and effect of every action is one’s conscientious responsibility. The depth or superficial manner in the conduct of media work shall be dependent on one’s own principles, moral values….
I just pray that the search for high morals, the value of a good name constitute dignity and walking down the streets free from anxieties or fear of assassination will be come to pass.
God Bless us all!
tongue in, anew
January 26th, 2006 at 4:45 am
Hey guys, we’re “improving” on our record. So far this year, 2 journalists have already been ambushed, and January isn’t over yet. We’re on a clear path to grabbing that 1st spot away from Iraq this year. Let’s just hope the US pullout doesn’t happen this year, and we’ll surely be runaway topnotchers.
The government of the mini-dictator seems unaffected at all.
Could this be part of her population policy?
Ingat kayong mga journalists, especially you guys here in PCIJ.
Putanginamo!com: Dialogue of Pinoy things you love and hate » Will Pinoy bloggers be killed?
January 10th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
[…] Considering the Philippines is the 2nd most dangerous country for journalists only behind Iraq, when will the 1st Pinoy blogger be killed? With the recent launch of GMA’s blog network, blogging’s popularity will increase. I also expect ABS-CBN to also follow with their own blog network. […]