NUJP scores threats vs Inquirer reporter, Star columnist

Journalists scored over the weekend a fresh wave of threats against two journalists who exposed corruption and lapses in government. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) voiced alarm over the threats to Julie Alipala of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Jarius Bondoc of the Philippine Star. In a statement posted on the PinoyPress Web site, the NUJP said Bondoc sought assistance after receiving death threats allegedly due to his exposé on the controversial $329.48-million broadband network contract with China’s Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE) Corp. Bondoc has been receiving text messages warning him that he could be shot or his office bombed anytime for his exposés. “The NUJP calls on the authorities to look into these incidents even as we urge the military to stop harassing media practitioners, especially in the provinces," it said. On the other hand, the NUJP scored the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s banning of Alipala from covering legitimate news events in Basilan province. According to the NUJP, the banning of Alipala by the military violates press freedom and the people’s right to know. “The NUJP looks at the military’s action against a legitimate media practitioner as pure harassment and an indication of the military’s penchant for human rights violations. The NUJP is also deeply concerned for her safety," it said. It also voiced alarm over Alipala’s repeatedly receiving threats because of her reports on military operations in Basilan and Sulu that exposed lapses and abuses by the AFP. - GMANews.TV