Philippines
2009
Large group of journalists killed in Mindanao
In response to news reports that a large number of people — possibly more than 20 — including many journalists, were killed on the Philippine island of Mindanao today while accompanying a gubernatorial candidate to register his candidacy, we issued this statement…
A memorial to killed journalists, a call to action
We’ve launched a new section of our Web site, and we hope you take a few minutes to read some of its pages. There is one, for example, on Russian reporter Natalya Estemirova, who dared to examine human rights crimes in Chechnya. Another is devoted to Francisco Javier Ortiz Franco, a Tijuana newspaper editor who…
Supreme Court moves trial in Philippine attack
New York, September 23, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists applauds a Philippine Supreme Court decision to grant a change of venue in the trial of a defendant in the attempted murder of radio journalist Nilo Labares, who was shot and injured in Cagayan de Oro City in March. The transfer is the third venue change…
CPJ welcomes Supreme Court ruling in the Philippines
New York, September 17, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes a Supreme Court ruling in the Philippines granting a change of trial venue in the case against two suspects charged with ordering the March 2005 murder of investigative reporter Marlene Garcia-Esperat.
Grenade thrown at Philippine columnist’s home
A grenade was hurled at columnist Steve Barriero’s garage while he was parking his car in the driveway at around 11 p.m. on July 31, 2009, in village 23 in the northern province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Philippine murder case granted change of venue
A Supreme Court decision to allow a change of venue in the trial of three suspects accused of murdering journalist Dennis Cuesta, at left, in August 2008 sets a hopeful precedent in the fight against impunity in media killings in the Philippines. The decision was granted in mid-July and press freedom groups tracking the case…
Philippine journalists wounded in suspected militant attack
Suspected militants fired at two low-flying military helicopters in Basilan province in the southern Philippines on August 16, 2009, injuring two journalists who were on board, according to local and international reports. The militants were thought to belong to the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is allegedly linked to Al-Qaida.
Witness protection key in Philippine journalist murders
This week, CPJ’s Shawn W. Crispin examined the incredible risks and challenges confronting witnesses to journalist murders in the Philippines. Crispin’s report, “Under Oath, Under Threat,” featured Bob Flores, a man who has demonstrated extraordinary courage in identifying a gunman in the slaying of radio journalist Dennis Cuesta. Crispin and I had met Flores earlier…