Just another threat

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 (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Threat after threat. That seems to be what is facing journalists in this country these days. Reports on mediamen being gunned down in broad daylight, in front of their offices, in their homes and in the highways have become ordinary fare for newspaper readers, radio listeners or television viewers. Our country has come to be regarded as the second most dangerous place for journalists to operate too, next only to Iraq.

In most of the cases, the victim is described as having been a "hard-hitting" reporter, or editor, columnist or publisher. Few, if any of the killings have been solved, even less is the number of suspects actually charged in court. It has come to a point when the public, and even the journalists themselves, have come to regard these incidents as just a hazard of their trade.

And now comes another threat that could affect their freedom to practice the profession they love so much that they are willing to risk their very lives for it. This is the imposition of the provisions of the new law, euphemistically titled the "Human Security Act," better known, though, as the Anti-Terrorism Law that has been raising danger signals among media practitioners. This was especially after its provisions were clarified to media members by the Secretary of Justice, who also stressed that he is the official who will have great say in determining who will affected by the provisions of this law.

According to the Justice Secretary, the law authorizes such practices as wire-tapping, especially on those who are suspected to be working against the security of the state and the people. And, he also admitted, this authority could cover even media persons or outfits if they are suspects of seditious acts or what are considered by such persons as the Justice Secretary himself, as links to terroristic groups.

The implementing guidelines of the new law have not yet been released, but the assessment of Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez should send shivers to the hearts of all freedom-loving Filipinos. He said, "These provisions are dangerous to the citizens, and could be used by people in the government who have no conscience to persecute those that they consider to be enemies".

What a way to ensure human security.*