IFJ scores malicious text message on 4 Capiz journalists

MANILA, Philippines - An international media watchdog group scored Wednesday night the "menacing" text messages claiming three journalists in Capiz province were killed and a fourth was injured in an accident. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said it is appalled that relatives and friends of the four received such messages. "While the IFJ is relieved to learn that the four journalists are safe and well, the threatening implication of such a message, sent after the murder of Martin Roxas, is deplorable," IFJ Asia-Pacific said in a statement on its website (www.ifj.org). Citing data from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), IFJ said the message was sent on August 31. The messages claimed said NUJP Capiz chapter president John Heredia, Capiz Times editor Gerry Pagharion and Capiz Chronicle publisher Edward Basilonia were declared dead at Capiz Emmanuel Hospital while Inquirer correspondent Felipe Celino was in critical condition. But the four journalists issued a statement on September 1 denouncing the text message as false and a menacing act that was "uncalled for and malicious." "All four have been reporting on the murder of another Capiz journalist, Martin Roxas, who was shot dead in Roxas City on August 7," IFJ said. IFJ added the text message, from an unknown sender, was also sent to Roxas City dyOW station manager Cyril Simpas and the Governor of Capiz. "Journalists in the Philippines face substantial daily risks to their personal safety to uphold the right to a free media and free expression. The anxiety caused to the families of these four journalists is incomprehensibly disrespectful," it said. The IFJ joined the NUJP in calling on local authorities to employ all resources to identify the person or persons responsible for sending the messages and to ensure they are adequately penalized. IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide. - GMANews.TV