Mamauag addresses media on human rights in NUJP-WM forum

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Director Atty. Manuel Mamauag yesterday addressed some members of Philippine media who are based in Zamboanga City on human rights and international law in relation to conflict-sensitive journalism.
"You threaten the media; you threaten the people," Mamauag stressed, thus inspiring participating media.
The short discussion was done at the solidarity forum organized by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) Western Mindanao Chapter at the Solidarity Center along Roseller T. Lim Boulevard, this city.
The forum, which had the support of the Commission on Human Rights and the Peace Advocates Zamboanga, also had PAZ president Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF, and Zamboanga City Press Club, Inc. president Manuel 'Jerry' Lacastesantos as among those who shed light on the role and corresponding responsibilities of media men in reporting conflict.
Earlier, NUJP National Director Julie Alipala presented a statistical summary of human rights violations committed against journalists, citing the number of unsolved cases in Zamboanga (and nearby provinces) which involved the killing of journalists.
"The International Federation of Journalists has reported that the Philippines is the most dangerous country to work in as a journalist," Alipala said. "Media killings take place in the provinces and the highest noted are in Mindanao, with 41 cases," she added.
Alipala also mentioned that in Zamboanga City, the five unsolved murders are those of Gloria Martin, Greg Hapalla, Jade Ladja, Reynaldo Bancairin, and Candelario "Jun" Cayona.
Alipala likewise cited as among the examples the case of Al Jacinto, who was declared persona non grata by the City Government of Zamboanga, as well as the charges of libel filed by the City Jail Warden to this writer as editor-in-chief of Zamboanga Today. (Frencie L. Carreon)