Journalists recognized for 'fearless' West Philippine Sea coverage

MANILA, Philippines – Amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, Inc. (NDCPAAI) recognized the fearless coverage of Filipino journalists on China’s continuing aggression against Filipino sailors and fisherfolk. 

The NDCPAAI on Tuesday, May 7, awarded 24 journalists covering crucial developments in the West Philippine Sea for keeping the Filipino people well-informed of the measures undertaken by the Philippine government and the encroachment of other state actors on sovereign territory. 

The awards ceremony, held at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City, recognized about 24 journalists from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Interactive Inc., The STAR, Manila Bulletin, GMA News, News5, ABS-CBN News and PTV News.

Philippine Daily Inquirer: Frances G. Mangosing

Inquirer Interactive, Inc.: Kurt Dela Pena, John Eric Mendoza, Adrian L. Parungao

The STAR: Michael Punongbayan

Manila Bulletin: Martin A. Sadongdong

ABS-CBN News: Jose P. Carretero, Bianca A. Dava, Jervis T. Manahan

GMA News: Rodolfo "Jun" D. Veneracion Jr., Marisol Abdurahman, Maviel "Mav" Gonzales, Darlene Cay, Joviland Rita, Ronald Ian G. Cruz, John Paul "JP" Soriano, Chino Gaston, Rufino "Raffy" D. Tima Jr.

News5: Dave Abuel, Bryan Ellis Castillo, Ed Lingao

PTV News: Ryan Lesigues, James Patrick De Jesus, Cleizl Pardilla

NDCPAAI Secretary General Aldrin C. Cuña noted the “active involvement and unrelenting reports from journalists and other mass media practitioners” as Chinese Coast Guard ships continue to harass Filipino sailors in the West Philippine Sea.

Cuña said the awards for special recognition for journalists highlight the “fair, fearless, frontline coverage” of journalists who delivered reports “that do not only vividly capture events as they happen, but contextualize them.”

“This results in stories that combine the snapshots of the moment with the big picture. This is journalism that deepens public understanding of an issue that impacts the nation,” Cuña said. 

Sen. Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones, highlighted the crucial role of Filipino journalists as “we are also fighting the propaganda being circulated by the Chinese,” stressing that “this is not only a fight about the size and number of our ships.”

In his keynote address during the awards ceremony, Tolentino said “through this fight, we see the crucial role of good journalism in bringing out the truth and empowering the people.”

“No less than our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal said that the pen is mightier than the sword, a powerful weapon wielded by our brave men and women who are present here,” the Senator said before the journalists. 

Captain Luidegar "Lloyd" Casis, head of the NDCPAAI’s Committee on Military Affairs, said the coverage of Filipino journalists put on spotlight “the real score behind what is happening during our regular maritime sovereignty patrols and even during our troop rotation and supply missions to our islands, shoals, and other features.”

“Without their wholehearted support, we would not have been able to bring across the message that the West Philippine Sea should be protected and defended not only for our sake but for our posterity, as well,” Captain Casis said.