Editorial: A look back to the past

THE current media landscape is reminiscent of the Philippines’ darkest history.

The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972 to stop the freedom of the press.

At that time, he wanted to have a full control over the media.

Marcos, fearing the power of the press, ordered the closure of media entities like ABS-CBN, Manila Times, Daily Mirror, Manila Chronicle, Manila Daily Bulletin, Philippine Daily Express, Philippines Herald, Philippine Free Press, Graphic, the Nation and the wire agencies.

It was a dark era for the press.

Marcos said the order was meant to “prevent the use of privately-owned newspapers, magazines, radio and television facilities, and all other media of communications for propaganda purposes against the government.”

Media personalities, as well as individuals and activists, who were critical against Marcos and dictatorial regime, were picked up and detained at military camps.

The opposition was killed, tortured and denied of due process. Countless human rights abuses.

No one is allowed to criticize the tyrannical administration of Marcos.

The administration censored the information relayed to the public.

Forty-six years later, the media is still faced with the same threat.

Journalists who report critical stories about the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte were threatened and harassed. The President himself has antagonized the media.

Journalists are also killed.

The fight for free press continues. Stop killing journalists.