Philippines / Asia

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…

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. 

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.

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.

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…

The shooting death last year of Radio Mindanao Network broadcaster Dennis Cuesta raised the realization among journalists here that the profession we know and love could cost us life and limb. 

In the Philippines, witnesses to journalist murders face extreme pressures and grave risk. The government’s protection program, while valuable, falls short of ensuring justice. By Shawn W. Crispin

In our special report “Under Oath, Under Threat,” CPJ’s Shawn Crispin examines the culture of impunity in the killings of journalists in the Philippines. Here, Crispin describes how intimidation and fear have stopped witnesses from coming forward to help put the murderers behind bars. Listen to the mp3 on the player above, or right click…

New York, July 27, 2009–Police in Mindanao must investigate the motive for today’s shooting murder of radio journalist Godofredo Linao and pursue those responsible, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.