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Thursday, November 27, 2003
Radio reporters cry harassment
By Edwin G. Espejo
* Anonymous letter says three dxCP reporters are reportedly members of the communist underground movement
THREE reporters of a local radio station here are crying foul over what they claim is a 'black propaganda' accusing them of being members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
Radio commentator Philip Salarda said they got hold of a leaflet circulated more than two weeks ago in the city, branding him and two other reporters of dxCP as active members of a revolutionary army under the CPP-NPA.
He said the propaganda letter is a veiled attempt to suppress the freedom of the press and could be a prelude to a crackdown among media practitioners critical of the government.
Also named in the unsigned letter were Vic Madridenio and Boy Manangquil.
Manangquil said they are not taking the threats lightly, as there has been a pattern of repression in the media.
He said this should be stopped to ensure that the right to know and the freedom of expression are at all times upheld in the country.
Nobody has claimed ownership of the letter although the said leaflet urged readers to call 117, a government emergency telephone line, if they have information against the three broadcasters.
Salarda and the two other radio reporters have been active in rallies and demonstrations organized by left-leaning groups and militants in the City.
As this developed, an organization of media practitioners is calling all members of the local press to a meeting at Nanay Beth's Ihaw-Ihaw on November 29 to tackle this latest round of harassment.
"For the past months, we have witnessed the deliberate killings of our fellow media practitioners in the country," said Allen Terencio, board member of Free-Socsksargen.
He said under the Arroyo administration, 13 journalist have already been killed while in the line of duty, and 36 since 1986.
Among the most recent sensational killing was the case of hard-hitting commentator Juan 'Jun' Pala who was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Davao City three months ago.
(November 27, 2003 issue)
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