Int’l group pushes strong, immediate action vs. violence against journalists

An international media group on Friday sought "strong and immediate action" to curb what it called a "shocking" culture of violence against journalists, following the fatal shooting of a tabloid reporter in Bataan Thursday.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) stressed this as it condemned the killing of Abante and Abante Tonite reporter Nerlita Ledesma in Balanga City.

"The Philippines needs to take strong and immediate action to curb the shocking culture of violence against journalists and the climate of impunity that continues to weaken the state and democracy," said IFJ Asia Pacific acting director Jane Worthington.

Ledesma, 48, was waiting for a ride to work when she was shot in the chest in Barangay Tuyo in Bataan.

Citing initial information, the IFJ said the assailant was wearing sunglasses, a bonnet and a jacket and fled on a black and white motorcycle.

"Ledesma is the first journalist to be killed in the Asia-Pacific region in 2015. It is yet to be determined if her murder was related to her work," IFJ said.

The group noted the Asia-Pacific region was declared to be the most deadly environment for media workers globally in 2014.

On the other hand, the IFJ noted last November 23 was the fifth anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre where 58 people, including 32 journalists, were killed.

So far, it said no conviction has been handed down.

IFJ also noted that four journalists were murdered in the Philippines in 2014.

“Nerlita Ledesma’s death is shocking and disturbing and marks a tragic beginning for the year for the country’s media. The IFJ offers its sympathies to her families and calls on the Philippine authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice,” it said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News