Int’l media group hits threats vs Mindanao journalist

An international media watchdog scored on Friday threats received by a Mindanao journalist at his home in Cotabato province earlier this week. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also demanded a full investigation into the threat against Williamor Magbanua, 30. "The IFJ demands current and future power-holders in the Philippines, including candidates for upcoming presidential and national elections, take firm and swift action against those who attack and threaten media personnel," IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said in an article on IFJ website. Magbanua is a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and GMA Networks’ online site GMANews.TV. He also works as information officer for North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol Jr. [See: Journalist in North Cotabato gets death threat] IFJ cited information from its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), indicating that Magbanua received a wreath containing a threatening note at his home in Kidapawan City. The note claimed to be from New People’s Army (NPA) regional commander Valentine Palamine, and accused Magbanua of defamatory reporting about a political candidate. But the IFJ also took into consideration the doubts on whether the outlawed group was indeed the source of the threat, as the note’s letterhead did not appear authentic. "It is therefore unclear who is responsible," IFJ said. On the other hand, Magbanua also reported to the NUJP that he had noticed two motorcyclists following him few days before the wreath was delivered to his house. IFJ said the threat against Magbanua is the latest in a series leveled against Philippines journalists, including Newsbreak editor-in-chief Marites Vitug. Vitug had received threats in March after the publication of her book on allegations of corruption in the Supreme Court. During a candlelit march and vigil in Manila on April 23, the NUJP reiterated the urgent need to protect journalists in the Philippines, especially in the lead-up to the May elections. The vigil marked the fifth month since the murder of 32 journalists and media personnel among 57 people massacred in Maguindanao province in Mindanao on Nov. 23, 2009. "We have faith that threats such as these will not deter journalists from conducting their professional work ahead of the elections," Park said. "But journalists must be assured of full protection, justice and respect for the right to conduct their work without fear of violence and intimidation," she added. Meanwhile, the IFJ reiterated its deep concern that the current Government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered prosecutors to drop murder charges against Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan, suspects in the November carnage. It again called on all candidates running for president to make a public commitment to overturn the country’s culture of impunity for violence against journalists and media personnel. IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV