12 slays among over 100 attacks against journos under Duterte, says media network

Twelve killings are among the 128 cases of attacks against members of the media that the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network recorded since President Rodrigo Duterte came to power in 2016.

At a forum held on World Press Freedom Day, Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network said almost half of the attacks and threats were allegedly perpetrated by state agents.

Data from the PCIJ indicated that the following journalists were killed under the Duterte administration:

• Apolinario Suan (Real FM) - July 14, 2016
• Larry Que (Catanduanes News Now) - December 19, 2016
• Mario Contaoi (dzNS Radyo Totoo) - January 6, 2017
• Marlon Muyco (dxND Radyo Bida) - February 1, 2017
• Joaquin Briones (Remate) - March 13, 2017
• Rudy Alicaway (dxPB 106.9 FM) - August 6, 2017
• Leo Diaz (Sapol News Bulletin) - August 7, 2017
• Chris Lozada (dxBF Prime Broadcasting Network) - October 24, 2017
• Edmund Sestoso (dyGB Power 91) - April 30, 2018
• Carlos Matas (dxCA Bell FM, dxBZ Radyo Bagting) - May 12, 2018
• Dennis Denora (Trends and Times) June 7, 2018
• Joey Llana (dwZR 828 Zoom Radio) July 20, 2018

Most of the harassment cases took place in Metro Manila, which had 63 reported.

The data was collated from from June 30, 2016 to April 30, 2019.

Various journalism groups have recorded 128 cases of threats and attacks against media from June 30, 2016 to April 30, 2019. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/USxKwlBKFG

— ????Anna Felicia (@annafelicia_) May 3, 2019

The group said 89 cases of threats were recorded in Luzon, 13 in the Visayas and 26 in Mindanao.

It said the attacks against members of the media usually happened online with 18 reported cases.

Aside from killings, the other threats and attacks against members of the media monitored by the network included attempted killings, intimidation, libel complaints, cyber libel complaints, web attack, getting barred from coverage, verbal threats, physical assault, arrests, corporate issues, bomb threats and article takedowns.

Luis Teodoro, former dean of the UP College of Mass Communication, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) had been monitoring attacks on members of the press since 1989.

Nonoy Espina, president of the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP), said that the number of red-tagging cases against the media spiked during Duterte's term.

"There was red tag before but I think it spiked under this administration, red tagging of journalists and organizations..." Espina said.

Aside from the CMFR, the media network inclides the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), NUJP, Philippine Press Institute (PPI), and MindaNews.

Journalists have denounced the Duterte administration for its continuous harrasment against members of the media.  —NB, GMA News