Plaridel a journalist for all seasons

A bronze statue of press icon Marcelo H. del Pilar was unveiled yesterday at a plaza in Malate, Manila, a tribute to a great writer, who as a pillar of the propaganda movement steered the reformist newspaper La Solidaridad in the late 1800s.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza joined descendants of the Del Pilar family, officers and members of the Samahang Plaridel, led by president Rolando Estabillo and STAR publisher Max V. Soliven, who is the group’s chairman of the board, in paying homage to the foremost icon of the Filipino free press as well as all newsmen who continue the tradition despite continuing threats to their lives and the free exercise of their profession.

Atienza cited the key role played by the press in every major struggle of freedom and justice, adding that the unveiling of the statue is timely since many Filipino journalists have been killed.

"Now that the Philippines has been tagged as the second most dangerous country for journalists, it was timely to pay homage to the great writer Marcelo H. del Pilar and give recognition to the contribution of Filipino newsmen who have been upholding justice and democracy in the country," he said.

The mayor stressed that the crusading work of journalists doesn’t stop during times of peace.

"At all times, on every possible occasion, the Filipino journalist must strive to embody the ideals of Marcelo H. del Pilar. One does not need to be a national hero like him to reflect the work of Plaridel," he said. Plaridel, an anagram of Del Pilar’s name was his pen name.

The 7-foot bronze statue, which weigh around 400 kilos, was placed on a pedestal at Plaza Plaridel, the children’s park fronting the Manila Zoo in Malate. It was rendered by renowned sculptor Julie Lluch.

For almost four months, Lluch, a native of Iligan, dedicated her time and energy in creating the masterpiece. She was jointly commissioned by the city government of Manila and Samahang Plaridel to complete the project.

Betina Santos, the maternal granddaughter of Del Pilar and other members of the family, said they were very honored.

"We are grateful for the tribute. If you knew his life, you know that he sacrificed his life and his family. History has vindicated him for what he has done," she said.

Del Pilar, who was born on Aug. 30, 1850, came to be known as a leading propagandist for reforms in the country. He edited and co-published the reformist newspaper La Solidaridad. He died of tuberculosis in Barcelona, Spain on July 4, 1896.

It was in recognition of his role that a group of veteran journalists set up the Samahang Plaridel, a by-invitation-only club that supports free press initiatives.

Soliven said that during the time of Del Pilar, journalists who wrote about the abuses of some Spanish friars and the government were arrested and killed. He cited the case of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, who was apprehended and detained at Fort Santiago and was killed at Bagumbayan.

"At that time, a lot of journalists were arrested, but Rizal was brave enough to face up to the responsibilities of writers, journalists. Tayo naman, we should be brave and stand up no matter what," he said.

Although the Filipino journalists have enjoyed democracy in these times, reporters who have been vocally denouncing corruption and other ills of society have placed their own lives in danger.

A veteran newsman himself, Soliven recalled he had received several death threats and, at one time, was even a victim of an attempted ambush.

In his capacity as chairman of the Samahang Plaridel and head of the International Press Institute (IPI) in the country, Soliven said they have been constantly reminding newly installed PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao of the murder cases on media personalities.

He has constantly been following up on the case of local paper Midland Review columnist Marlene Esperat, who was murdered last March 24 inside her house in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

"I have confidence in the capability of General Lomibao. Ang challenge ko kay Lomibao ay malutas ang Esperat case because she is the first journalist who was killed when he assumed the post as police chief," he said.

The Philippine National Police has arrested several suspects in the Esperat murder case, including the gunman, but they have yet to capture the mastermind.

"But they already know the mastermind, they are just gathering evidence," he said.