TV5’s Ed Lingao, De Veyra get online threats

MANILA, Philippines — Broadcasters Ed Lingao and Lourd de Veyra of TV5 network have received death threats online, prompting condemnation from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) while the interior chief has urged them to coordinate with authorities.

“The CHR remains firm in its stance to defend the free press and calls for the protection of all media workers in the country. We do not and cannot take lightly any threats or any allusions to harm the lives of journalists, regardless if such statements are deliberate or cursory,” the CHR said in a statement.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) meanwhile said police have listed down names of journalists who have sought its help against threats.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said media workers should come forward and should not be disheartened in reporting any threat to police.

Abalos earlier offered P1.5 million for any information that would lead to the arrest of suspects in the slay of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

He appealed to the public to help identify the suspect as the Philippine National Police (PNP) has released an enhanced digital photo obtained from CCTV footage.

The CHR said it received reports that a certain Seth Corteza made threats online against Lingao and De Veyra, saying that the two broadcasters would be the next victims of assassination, following the fatal ambush of Mabasa.

The commission said it would reach out to Lingao and De Veyra to offer assistance as well as a “quick response mechanism that will look into the veracity of threats made against them.”

“Once again, we stress the undeniable and vital role of the media in helping the Filipino citizenry obtain timely and accurate information imperative to the realizations of their rights. Any attempts to silence the press – particularly by creating a culture of fear and violence – directly impacts democracy and the human rights situation in the country,” the CHR said.?

It also called on the government to investigate the supposed online threats against Lingao and De Veyra and “take proactive measures to stop media attacks.”

‘Trace threats’

Meanwhile, Abalos has tasked the PNP anti-cybercrime unit to assist and trace any threats that may endanger local media workers.

“Just bring them over to our cybercrime and we will take note of this. We can trace this, I will have them help you,” Abalos said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, following reports that Lingao and De Veyra received threats online.

He said the safety of journalists is a priority of the administration. “Our office is always open for journalists if there is any threat at all, that is a priority,” he added. - Romina Cabrera