Bulacan, Pangasinan journalists to hold protest actions today

MANILA, Philippines - Journalists in Pangasinan and Bulacan are holding mass actions today as part of the Global Day of Solidarity spearheaded by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to demand justice for the 30 media practitioners massacred in Maguindanao.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Pangasinan chapter, Pangasinan Press Club and Pangasinan Tri-Media Association are leading a prayer rally in front of the Dagupan City Museum where there will be a short program and a candle-lighting ceremony.

At 7 a.m. today, KBP member-stations in Pangasinan will go off the air for a minute to protest the massacre and press for swift government action to give justice to the victims’ families.

Bulacan journalists, together with other sectors, are staging the Red Arm Band protest at the Heroes’ Park of the Bulacan State University in Malolos City.

Organizers said the event symbolizes the Bulakenyos’ solidarity against violence and their willingness to make a stand against the culture of impunity that continues to flourish under the Arroyo administration. – Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez and Dino Balabo