Mindoro journalist asks for writ of amparo before SC

A journalist from Oriental Mindoro, who was forced into hiding because of what he said were serious threats to his life, filed a petition for a writ of amparo before the Supreme Court Monday afternoon.

Radio journalist jailed for defamation

Reporters Without Borders condemns the detention of radio show host Julito Ucab, who has been held in Butuan City, on the southern island of Mindanao, since 22 January for failing to attend a court hearing on a defamation case dating back to 2004.

DOJ warning to media: A clear and shameless attempt to criminalize press freedom

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) calls on all journalists and media organizations to defy Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’ warning to hold media criminally liable for “disobeying” so-called lawful orders from government officers.

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.

NUJP urges authorities to ensure safety of Quezon journalist

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expresses concern over the surveillance that has forced our colleague, Criselda Cabangon, 24, reporter and columnist of Ang Diaryo Natin (ADN), and founding member of the NUJP’s Quezon chapter, into hiding.

Journalist in hiding over alleged military surveillance

Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon

LUCENA CITY — A news reporter and columnist of Ang Diaryo Natin (ADN), a weekly paper in Quezon province, has gone into hiding after a group of still unidentified persons have been reportedly shadowing her since Monday.

Police condemned for arresting journalists - IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the actions of the Philippines police in detaining and arresting 17 journalists who were reporting on the takeover by rebel army soldiers of a hotel in Manila on November 29.

Human rights lawyers condemn curfew and arrest of media as violation of the constitution and an arbitrary over-kill

BY Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) condemns the imposition of the curfew by Pres. Gloria Arroyo as oppressive, unconstitutional and an arbitrary overkill intended only to instill fear on the people. Article III, Section 6 of the Constitution states that “Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety or public health, as may be provided by law.” Absent any law, Pres. Arroyo does not have the authority to impose curfew. The supposed exemptions in the ‘guidelines’ are of no moment, since the order has no constitutional basis in the first place.

Gov’t declares curfew in Metro Manila, nearby provinces

‘This is not martial law’–PNP chief
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The government, through Interior and Local Secretary Ronaldo Puno has imposed a curfew throughout Metro Manila, in Central Luzon (Region 3), and CALABARZON (Region 4-A).

The curfew starts 12 midnight to 5 a.m. Friday.