NUJP: Tear 'curtain of darkness' on Burgos kidnap

Lamenting that the country is now at a dark chapter in its history, journalists called on their colleagues to "keep vigil" and continue working to tear the "curtain of darkness." The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the abduction of agriculturist Jonas Joseph Burgos last April 28 is just one of many looming signs of state suppression. "We are indeed at a dark chapter in our country's history. We urge our fellow writers, artists and journalists to join us in keeping vigil and tearing the curtain of darkness in this night of our people," it said in a statement posted on its website Tuesday night. On the other hand, the NUJP warned of another looming threat to press freedom, the recently passed Anti-Terrorism Bill that will take effect in July. The NUJP said the law, also known as the Human Security Act of 2007, defines terrorism so vaguely that "even publishing or producing works with the slightest criticism of the government may be construed as a 'terroristic' act should concern all who value the freedom of expression and of the press." NUJP noted that writers, artists and journalists use the freedom of expression and of the press, which is among the foundations of any democracy. The group added that history has shown that the curtailment of freedom of expression and of the press is among the first steps would-be dictators take. Some of the fiercest oppenents of authoritarianism, NUJP said, are writers, artists and journalists. It noted that in 1986, key figures in the fight against the Marcos dictatorship included luminaries such as Romulo “Mulong" Sandoval, Lino Brocka, and Armando Malay. "At this point in our country’s often-turbulent history, we are compelled to revisit the struggle for democracy waged by those who came before us, because the gains of that battle – which greatly benefited us – are now under attack," it said. It similarly noted that Burgos, who was abducted in Quezon City last April 28, is the son of the late press freedom hero Jose "Joe" Burgos, Jr. Jonas is an agriculturist who teaches organic farming methods to peasants in Bulacan. A van with plate number TAB-194 had been impounded for some time at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion based in Norzagaray, Bulacan. "Jonas is not the first to fall victim to enforced disappearances. With 199 victims having been documented since 2001, he is the 16th victim this year alone," NUJP said. It added the enforced disappearances are taking place alongside extrajudicial killings, now numbering some 856 since 2001, according to militants' figures. - GMANews.TV