‘2005 turning into another devastating year for press freedom’

An international group of journalists see 2005 as "another devastating year for press freedom."

"These killings are not just a terrible pain to bear for media in the Philippines," said Christopher Warren, International Federation of Journalists president.

Warren’s reaction came following the shooting to death of George Benaojan, a broadcaster of radio station dyDD and columnist of Bantay Balita in Talisay City, Cebu late last week.

Warren said the latest killing has brought the total number of reporters and media staff killed over the year to more than 100.

Benaojan was the third journalist in the Philippines to be killed in the last two weeks.

Warren said that the killings "are part of a pattern of continuing violence against journalists around the world which is making 2005 another shocking and devastating year for press freedom."

The IFJ Executive Committee meeting in Sydney, Australia this week was told that the total number of journalists and media staff killed so far this year had reached at least 104, down from last year’s figures.

However, 2005 is still one of the worst years on record, the statement added.

The committee has endorsed a draft resolution presented to United Nations General Secretary Kofi Annan last month calling for action against governments that do not track down and bring to trial the killers of journalists.

The problem is highlighted in the Philippines where the killing of Benaojan brings to 10 the number of journalists killed in the country this year, the 73rd since 1986, and the 36th since President Arroyo took power in January 2001, the statement said.

Most of these cases have not led to proper investigations or charges against the perpetrators, but ironically, only two days before Benaojan was killed, the Cebu City Regional Trial Court convicted police officer Guillermo Wapile for the May 13, 2002 murder of print, radio and television journalist Edgar Damalerio.

"The incredibly dangerous environment facing journalists in the Philippines demands action on all sides," said Warren.

"The government of President Arroyo must take immediate and decisive action and bring an end to this violence."

Every case must be investigated and every killer must be brought to justice, Warren added. — Cesar Ramirez