Interagency task force on killings proposed

MANILA, Philippines - Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara has proposed the creation of a task force to address the killings of journalists in the country.

Angara wants a task force created under the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and media organizations.

Last July 3, Jose Daguio, an anchor of Radyo Natin-Kalinga and writer for the weekly Guru Press, was shot in his house in Barangay Tuga, Kalinga. He was the first casualty under the Aquinoadministration.                                                       

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reported that more than 103 members of media were killed during the Arroyo administration.

“The government should put a stop to media killings, arrest and prosecute the killers to give justice to the families of the victims,” Angara said.

Several lawmakers have expressed support for the proposal to allow legitimate members of the media to carry firearms for self-protection.

“Mediamen should be allowed to carry firearms to protect themselves, otherwise criminal elements will continue their dastardly acts against the members of the fourth estate,” said Laguna Rep. Danilo Ramon Fernandez.

Buhay party-list Rep. Irwin Tieng said journalists who will be allowed to carry firearms should also be trained by police authorities to handle firearms. He also proposed that media persons be given discounts in securing permits. 

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, however, does not favor arming journalists.

“I’m not really sure that arming media practitioners is the right solution to the problem,” Tañada said. “Even if you arm the media, you cannot stop a criminal who is determined to kill.”

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa has ordered the creation of a nationwide database of media persons to determine their security needs.

Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said they are also organizing a national media forum to discuss security measures.

Verzosa earlier suggested the creation of a government commission that would address the murders of media men and militants.                – With Cecille Suerte Felipe