Media watchdog concerned over Mindanao journalists caught in 'crossfire'

MANILA, Philippines — An international media watchdog group voiced concern on Saturday over the plight of media covering the conflict in the southern Philippines, after a group of journalists was fired upon last Wednesday in Maguindanao province. Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres/RSF) noted the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied claims of a crossfire as its forces were not in the area when the firing took place. "Reporters Without Borders is concerned about the safety of journalists on the southern island of Mindanao, where there has been sporadic fighting between government forces and members of the separatist MILF," it said in its website (www.rsf.org). Caught in the firing were Agence France Presse photographer Mark Navales, Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Jeoffrey Maitem and GMA-7 News television stringer Ferdinand Cabrera. The three came under fire on October 1 while in a village recently destroyed by MILF rebels. Navales said they ducked for cover inside their van, and their driver hurriedly left the area. "Some sniper bullets were going our direction," he said. Both the army and the MILF have denied shooting or even being in the area when the incident took place. The army is currently hunting three MILF leaders who led raids in Mindanao last August. For its part, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) said on the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) website the MILF accused the military of keeping journalists out of the area. It said Navales, Maitem and Cabrera were taking photographs and footage of burning houses along the national highway in Pagatin village when the incident took place. Navales and Maitem took photos of the incident, while Cabrera also caught the incident on camera. An Inquirer story said the fighting started around 9 a.m. after soldiers allegedly spotted members of MILF Commander Ameril Umbra Kato's group along the national highway. On the other hand, Army spokesman Maj. Armand Rico told GMA-7 that "a lawless MILF group" fired at the correspondents. But MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu told the Inquirer" that "we had no troop movements today. The bursts of fire that happened came from the government side." "I think it's only part of their move to prevent reporters from taking pictures of houses still on fire," Kabalu added. GMANews.TV