Mindanao journalists, civil society groups adopt peace declaration

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines - Media practitioners and members of civil society groups here adopted a peace declaration over the weekend and vowed to improve peace reportage in Mindanao and work for the attainment of peace. Journalists from northern, western and central Mindanao gathered for a two-day "media peace summit" with peace advocates and discussed the role of media in ensuring accurate, balanced and responsible reports on Mindanao issues. A declaration they signed stated that Mindanao-based media practitioners are also "stakeholders" in the quest for peace and "witnesses to the visible and invisible damages caused by the armed conflict," especially in the area of Lanao. The group called on the government and the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF) to resume the peace talks "as soon as possible" and to reconstitute a peace panel that will be composed of "qualified Mindanaoans." Recognizing the need to enhance their knowledge and skills, the journalists invited civil society groups to help provide relevant training workshops to media practitioners. Fact-finding reports by human rights organizations and updates on the situation in Mindanao were presented during the meeting. Jun Enriquez, host of radio DXLS, said "media practitioners should know the context of the Mindanao conflict and understand the various cultures in Mindanao." "How can we have lasting peace in Mindanao when until now armed men continue to sow fear and those responsible for the atrocities are still at large," said Mar Sabate of the Mindanao Monitor. Col. Benito T. De Leon, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division of the Philippine Army, said "media and the civil society should act as the soldiers' conscience." "Although many of us do not really understand the role of media, we tried hard to maintain our tasks minus the exaggeration and sensationalism," De Leon said. Human rights lawyer Ver Quimco lauded the media coverage during the recent conflict in Lanao but urged media practitioners to become "bridges of peace than walls of division." "Media should be an institution that will educate people," he said. The peace summit was organized by the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace Inc., Kabnar Inc., with support from the British Embassy. It was attended by 38 print, television and radio reporters. - Ric Clet, GMANews.TV