The Iloilo affair - a media coup

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

One of the most outstanding coverages done by local television in this country that will be difficult to upstage, is that done by reporters in Iloilo City who took the footages of the assault on the Provincial Capitol there by a special group of the Philippine National Police.

The vivid coverage was able to show to the people, not only in this country, but even abroad, the actual scene when policemen, garbed in battle fatigues, and with high-powered guns on the ready, smashed the thick glass doors of the building, destroyed locks, and stormed into the offices, brushing aside civilians and officials alike. They also sent the occupants down to the floor, standing guard with pointed guns over them, and took up positions around the building, in a manner seen only when vicious criminals are cornered, or murderous rebels have been hunted down.

The footages, more than the comments and descriptions of the incident and the expressions of indignation from various quarters, relayed to the public what they could go through if ever - God forbid! - they again experience Martial Law or come under a police state. So, in a way, it has served a purpose, that of warning the citizens of the need to always be vigilant that freedom is preserved, and their rights not trampled on.

As journalists, we express our administration to our colleagues who had bravely gone ahead and covered the Iloilo incident from start to dramatic finish. We hope they will be acknowledged appropriately by media organizations and by their companies.

At the same time, we also vow to always guard jealously, even if it be under pain of reprisals, this precious freedom of the press to report and show to the people what is happening and ensure their right to know.*