RP, Mexico, Somalia named most dangerous for media

BRUSSELS – The Philippines, Mexico and Somalia were the most dangerous countries for journalists in 2009, according to the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists.

“The devastating massacre of 31 journalists and media staff in the Philippines in November and fresh violence against colleagues in Mexico and Somalia have made this a year of terrible bloodshed for media,” the federation said.

The “most shocking statistics” of 2009 point to the Philippines, where 38 journalists and media staff were killed in 2009 – most of them victims of a massacre in Maguindanao province on Nov. 23, it added.

The year 2009 has been one of the worst on record for the deliberate killing of reporters and media staff, the international journalists’ association added.

A total of 137 journalists and media personnel were killed in 2009, according to the association.

It said 113 were singled out because of their profession and 24 died accidentally.

The 113 “targeted killings” tally was one of the highest ever recorded, said the federation.

The total 2009 death toll of 137 compares with a federation tally of 109 and 175 in 2008 and 2007.

“Last year’s drop in the murder rate of journalists has been short-lived,” International Federation of Journalists president Jim Boumelha said in a statement.

The federation represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries.

Its death tally covers all people employed by media organizations who died in the line of duty, including not only journalists but also interpreters and drivers.

Iraq – the most dangerous country for media workers during much of the past decade – saw five media deaths in 2009, down from 16 in 2008, according to the federation.

The International Federation of Journalists said this “unprecedented attack and continued violence against media in other hot spots is a challenge to governments which in 2006 were told by the United Nations Security Council to take steps to protect journalists and media in conflict zones.”

The federation listed other countries with high numbers of media fatalities as Mexico (13), Somalia (9); Pakistan (7) and Russia (6).

The full federation report on 2009 media deaths will be published in mid-January.

In a separate report Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders said 76 journalists were killed this year – mostly when covering wars and elections – compared with 60 in 2008. The Paris-based organization counts journalists and bloggers, but not other media staff like interpreters.

A total of 573 journalists were arrested around the world, 33 were kidnapped, 1,456 were physically assaulted and 157 others fled their countries to escape such a fate, according to the Reporters Without Borders’ count.

2009: A grim year for Filipino journalists

Filipino journalists saw the grim sight of slaughtered comrades exhumed from a mass grave in 2009.

The cold-blooded killing of 30 journalists in the Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23, along with 27 other people in Ampatuan town, caused members of the fourth estate to rally in defense of press freedom.

“It was also the year when Filipino journalists closed ranks and defiantly stood up for freedom of the press and democracy,” said Nestor Burgos Jr., chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, an affiliate of the 500,000-strong International Federation of Journalists.

“The toll was especially heavy for the families of our slain colleagues, most of them breadwinners, who left behind at least 74 children and dependents.”

Citing figures, Burgos said before the massacre, 104 Filipino journalists had been murdered since 1986, 67 during the present administration.

“Only around five cases have resulted in the conviction of the killers, though no masterminds have yet to be arrested in any of the murders,” he said.

Burgos said the Maguindanao massacre occurred amid setbacks in the handful of cases being prosecuted against the murderers of journalists.

In the case of Sultan Kudarat journalist Marlene Esperat, the Court of Appeals stopped the serving of arrest warrants against the suspected masterminds, pending the resolution of their petition for review, he added.

Quoting journalists in Mindanao, Burgos said the accused brains in the 2005 Esperat murder are reportedly back in government service.

A key witness in the 2004 killing of Aklan broadcaster Herson Hinolan has recanted his statement after his family received threats and bribe offers from the camp of the suspected gunman, he added.

Burgos said the Maguindanao massacre has brought attention to the plight of Filipino journalists who are suffering from dismal working conditions like low pay, long working hours and lack of job security and benefits.

Filipino journalists and media workers also suffer the brunt of soaring prices of basic commodities, transport fares and other services due to the impact of the global economic crisis, he added.

Burgos said in July, around 50 journalists were detained by soldiers in Guindulungan town, also in Maguindanao, apparently to prevent them from covering the plight of evacuees displaced by fighting.

Days after the Ampatuan massacre, unidentified gunmen fired at the house of Bacolod City-based journalist Edgar Cadagat, former NUJP chairman and Negros Press Club president, he added.

Last Dec. 8, Camarines Norte broadcaster Efren Español was attacked inside the announcer’s booth by the former police chief of the province, who was armed with a .45 caliber gun.

These direct attacks are coupled with measures to stifle freedom of the press.

This year, proponents of the Right of Reply Bill railroaded the measure in Congress despite widespread opposition.

Burgos said far from sowing fear, the slaughter galvanized the ranks of media, all of whom rose as one in condemning the slaughter and demanding justice.

“These threats and attacks have only served to drive Filipino journalists, despite the fierce competition of their profession, to greater unity and renewed commitment to waging collective resistance,” he said.

The November 23 Movement, organized by various media groups, including the NUJP, and joined by newspaper publishers and broadcast network organizations and officials, have been put in place after the Maguindanao massacre.

Burgos said press clubs, media associations and press corps did not stop issuing statements and holding various forms of protests including street marches, masses, candle lighting, and rallies in work places and forums after each incident.

Newspapers have issuedindividual and joint statements and pooled editorials, and radio stations held brief but simultaneous blackouts, he added.

Burgos said journalists have brought their protest into cyberspace via social networking sites, blogs and email.

“But perhaps, more than the newfound unity that journalists have found, the brightest lining in this year of darkness has been the realization that the media and their audience, the people, must stand together to resist what collectively is nothing less than an attack on the very foundations of our democracy and our very existence as a nation and people,” he said.

Media groups and unions in 31 countries have written President Arroyo to pressure her to give justice to the Maguindanao massacre victims.

An international solidarity mission also came to the Philippines to express support for Filipino journalists and the families of the victims.

Burgos said journalists also united themselves into opposing the passing of the Right of Reply Bill.

“At the start of the year, media groups formed a media alliance against the measure, lobbied in Congress, engaged the sponsors in forums and debates and held protest actions nationwide, joined by publishers, network officials and various media organizations,” he said.

The determined and widespread opposition prompted several senators to withdraw their support for the bill. It also helped in stalling, if not thwarting, its passage.

The concerted efforts of media groups also significantly helped in pushing for the Freedom of Information Act which passed on third reading at the Senate in December.

Burgos said the coming year brings daunting challenges for Filipino journalists, “foremost of which is to find justice for the massacre victims and to help their families and fellow journalists traumatized by the killings.”

“As we pursue justice for the victims of the massacre and other murdered colleagues, we must, at the same time, work tirelessly to help uplift the working and living conditions of journalists, especially those in the provinces, and uphold ethical standards.” – AP, Artemio Dumlao