Grossly exaggerated, Task Force Usig chief says of INSI assessment of killings

The chief of a police task force investigating the spate of killings of journalists branded yesterday as "grossly exaggerated" the assessment of an international media group that the Philippines is a dangerous place for journalists.

Chief Superintendent Geary Barias, PNP director for investigation and detective management, and Task Force Usig commander, said the working condition of journalists in the Philippines is far better than in most countries in Asia and other parts of the world.

"We certainly agree with the reputable media watchdog organizations in their crusade for press freedom and protection of the right to free expression," he said.

"The PNP upholds this sovereign right as embodied in our Constitution. In fact the Philippines enjoys the distinction of having the most democratic media in this part of the world."

Barias said the figure of 55 slain Filipino journalists over the past 10 years cited by the International News Safety Institute or INSI is "not entirely accurate" because it included cases that involved "journalists" who were murdered under non-work related circumstances or while engaged in other activities outside their professional practice of journalism.

"Most if not all journalists slain in Iraq, Russia and Colombia died due to work-related circumstances, or while in the pursuit of their profession.

"The situation in the Philippines, on the other hand, is altogether the opposite because majority of slain Filipino journalists died due to non-work related circumstances.

"Nonetheless, the PNP gives equal attention to all these murder cases regardless of who is involved, and we have in fact successfully prosecuted some persons responsible."

Newsbreak online editor Gemma Bagayaua was arrested at the magazine’s offices in Pasig based on a libel case filed by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

Newsbreak managing editor Glenda Gloria was not among those sued by Singson.

Those sued for libel included Maritess Vitug, Newsbreak editor-in-chief; Maan Hontiveros, managing director; and Aries Rufo, writer.

Task Force USIG records show 27 cases of working journalists slain over the past six years since 2001.

Out of this total, 21 cases were already filed in court and the remaining six are still under extensive investigation and case build-up.

Through patient sleuthing, the PNP also scored a conviction in the case of murdered journalist Marlene Esperat in Sultan Kudarat province.

Included in the 21 filed cases are five cases involving military and police personnel as suspects, and one incident perpetrated by the New People’s Army and four cases involving elective officials.

A recent local study showed that majority of slain journalists in the Philippines were based in the provinces as freelance correspondents or blocktime broadcasters, and most do not belong to any national media organization or are not accredited with regulating bodies. – Cecille Suerte-Felipe