What the IFJ
should also address

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Managing Editor ANTONIETA B. LOPEZ Business Editor ODETTE MONTELIBANO Desk Editor MARY ANN BARCELONA Advertising Coordinator RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete

ANDRES R. LEONARDIA Managing Director

Even Filipinos who are not journalists must feel sad upon learning about the concern of international groups over the incidences of murders of members of the profession in this country.

Just this week, two of them were killed brazenly in just a matter of days - a mere 60 hours, as the international Federation of Journalists noted it. In a statement sent to all media outlets worldwide, IFJ president Christopher Warren said, "These recent deaths are further evidence of the incredibly dangerous environment that journalists work within in the Philippines".

The IFJ had been keeping tab of the murders of journalists in the country that has gone up to nine within this year alone. Symbolically, the last two killed belonged to different media - the one in Sorsogon was a radio broadcaster, while the one in Calamba City was a newspaper reporter. The two represent the most endangered species: broadcast and print.

As in all the previous cases, the killings were also met with the strongest condemnation not only from media organizations, but also from government officials. They were also met with assurances from law enforcement agencies who have recently been bragging that they have already solved seven of those perpetrated this year. By solving, they mean that suspects have been fingered, but these will remain suspects until charges are filed, trials heard, and convictions made.

But, as experience has shown, there is a long stretch between the apprehension of suspects and the pinning down of the killer. In almost all cases, not only those of murdered mediamen and women, the saying that the wheels of justice grind too slowly applies.

The IFJ has directed an appeal to the President to take action on these cases. Perhaps it is not only the President it should address, it should also include a plea for the Judicial branch to concentrate on and speed up the process.*