Murder of Davao broadcaster is fifth media killing this year

Fernando “Batman” Lintuan, the first president of the Davao Sportswriters Association and broadcaster of DXGO Aksyon Radyo, was gunned down at close range at around 10 am this morning in front of the station.

His death brought to five the number of journalists killed in 2007 and to 54 the number of journalists killed under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Davao broadcaster gunned down on Christmas

We condemn in the strongest way possible the murder of broadcaster Fernando “Batman” Lintuan, the first president of the Davao Sportswriters Association.

Initial reports revealed that a gunman riding on a motorcycle shot Mr. Lintuan at close range while he was on board a car leaving his radio station, DXGO Aksyon Radyo, at about 10 am today. He sustained a gunshot wound in the head.

Victims of Lafayette mining

Defend Patrimony demands permanent closure of Rapu-Rapu mine, accountability and responsibility from Arroyo, DENR, and Lafayette

Anti-mining liberalization alliance Defend Patrimony today pressed for the permanent closure of the Arroyo administration’s first foreign-owned showcase mining project in the Philippines owned by financially-troubled Lafayette Mining Limited (LML) of Australia.

Suspect in Aklan broadcaster’s slay surrenders to cops

Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Inquirer Visayas

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A suspect in the 2001 murder of Aklan broadcaster Rolando Ureta surrendered to police on Tuesday, three
weeks after another suspect was arrested.

Jessie Ticar disclosed his plan to surrender during an interview aired over radio station dyKR of Radio Mindanao Network, of which Ureta was program director when he was gunned down on January 3, 2001.

Media Position Paper for the Senate’s Committee on Justice and Human Rights

By: Maria A. Ressa
Head, ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs Division

On November 29, 2007, more than 30 journalists were arrested, handcuffed and transported to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan. 12 of the journalists were from ABS-CBN, detained as “witnesses and suspects,” according to the police. Others were told they would be released as soon as their identities were verified. Our Head of Newsgathering, Charie Villa, went immediately to the Peninsula Hotel to identify our people; yet, she was told they would still have to be arrested and brought to Bicutan. We believe this move sets a dangerous precedence and erodes our nation’s democracy.

A victory of the people’s struggle vs. toxic chemicals: Banana plantation suit against activist doctor and daughter dismissed!-KMP

After seven years of patiently enduring the legal action brought against them by the Lapanday Agricultural and Development Corporation, Dr. Romeo Quijano, president of Pesticide Action Network Philippines, and his daughter Ilang-Ilang were finally acquitted of a civil case of P5.5 million worth of damages.

In the decision, a copy of which was auspiciously received by PAN Philippines on Human Rights Day, December 10, Judge Renato Fuentes of Branch 11 of the Regional Trial Court in Davao City concluded that: ” In the final analysis, however, the evidence of plaintiff corporation as found, there is apparently no convincing proof, the subject publication devoid of criminal prosecution for libel as already established, do not prove in a separate civil action filed, any malicious intent of defendants against the plaintiff corporation, to produce an action for damages… WHEREFORE, finding the cause of action of plaintiff corporation against the defendants not proved by sufficient preponderance of evidence is DENIED and this case ordered DISMISSED ” (sic).

Filipinos in Japan Protest Against Continued Political Killings, Call for GMA’s Ouster

Filipinos joined by Burmese and Japanese human rights groups gathered in Nagoya and Tokyo on December 8 and 9 to protest against extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances and other violations of human rights in the Philippines which is � one of the serious crimes committed by the Arroyo regime against the Filipino people and against humanity�, says Migrante � Japan, one of the lead organizers of the protest.

Ranario’s Death Sentence Commutation Credit to Family, People’s Groups

It is the Ranario family and the individuals and groups who relentlessly campaigned for Marilou Ranario who should be given credit for the commutation of her sentence from death by hanging to a life term, said Migrante International in a statement.
BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Bulatlat
MIGRANT WATCH
Vol.VII, No. 44, Dec. 9-15, 2007

It is the Ranario family and the individuals and groups who relentlessly campaigned for Marilou Ranario who should be given credit for the commutation of her sentence from death by hanging to a life term, said Migrante International in a statement.

Arroyo most corrupt President – Pulse Asia survey

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GMANews.TV, Inquirer.net, Malaya, Philippine Star

International Herald Tribune