The abduction of Mindanao State University Professor Octavio Dinampo and the team of Ces Drilon in Barangay Labbah in Maimbung by a group of armed men allegedly led by Gafur Jumdail show that the international humanitarian law is less and less respected by belligerents, even if peace advocates and media professionals working in conflict zones have the status of a civilian.
In conflict zones, peace development work and press freedom is not sufficiently valued. Those who are seeking independent and precise information become target of rebel groups, extremists, corrupt politicians and even state agents. Journalists and peace advocates do not have the means to protect themselves sufficiently.
The United Nations said that journalists working in conflict zones are particularly vulnerable, despite the fact that "attacks against journalists and media equipment are illegal under international humanitarian law, which protects civilian persons and objects, as long as they are not making an effective contribution to military action."
All too often, civilians do not have the independence they would need to reveal corruption or misuse of power, to denounce attacks on human rights and to facilitate an open dialogue.
Too often, it is easy on the part of state agents to witch-hunt and label certain groups and personalities.
These are threats to democratic processes.
Labeling and victim blaming are threatening the freedom to movement, security and of the press.
These are the critical time where the importance of access to information and press freedom is underlined.
It is the continuing struggle for the promotion of good governance in public life that should enable everyone to be discerning.
