NPA denies death threats vs Mindanao journalist

The communist New People's Army (NPA) denied Sunday it was behind a death threat sent to a Mindanao journalist in Cotabato province late last month. Radio dzXL on Sunday night reported that NPA spokesman Ka Dencio Madrigal insisted they were not behind the threats sent to Williamor Magbanua. Magbanua is journalist based in Kidapawan City who also works as information officer of Rep. Bernardo Piñol. He also works as a blocktime commentator on local radio dxND, and is a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and GMANews.TV. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines earlier reported Magbanua received a death threat April 28 at his house. Last Friday, international media watchdog group International Federation of Journalists demanded a full investigation into the threats received by Magbanua. [See: Int’l media group hits threats vs Mindanao journalist] "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. IFJ also cited information from the NUJP indicating 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 even the IFJ also noted the NUJP doubts the NPA was the source of the threat, as the note’s letterhead did not appear authentic. "It is therefore unclear who is responsible," IFJ said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV