IFJ decries killing of journalist and wife

The International Federation of Journalists on Tuesday decried the killing of a journalist and his wife in Mindanao. Unidentified attackers shot and killed couple George Vigo and Maricel Alave-Vigo on Monday. IFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, reported that Vigo was a contributor to the Union of Catholic Asian News. His wife, Alave-Vigo hosted a program at the local radio station DXND. “How many journalists have to die before the president of the Philippines takes concrete, decisive and meaningful action to stop the slaughter?" said IFJ president Christopher Warren. It is unclear whether the murder was motivated by Vigo’s journalistic work, but the IFJ is calling for a full investigation. “The government of the Philippines simply must do more to protect journalists and their families," said Warren. “There can be no meaningful democracy in the Philippines without press freedom, and journalists’ safety." The Philippines was second only to Iraq in the number of journalists who died last year. The Philippine government has been criticized in recent weeks for passing a law permitting journalists to protect themselves by carrying arms. “Weapons will not bring peace," said Warren. “The idea of arming journalists in an attempt to reduce killings would be comical if the consequences were not so dire." “We do not need and do not want bodyguards or guns," said the NUJP in a recent statement. “We do not wish to add to the bloody mayhem that has claimed the lives of so many of our colleagues." “The best and only way to end these killings is for authorities to relentlessly pursue, arrest, prosecute and convict the killers," said the NUJP. “Only the surety that the guilty will be punished will dissuade those with murder in their minds." - GMANews.TV