Journalists in Manila have begun to fight back against a spate of recent press killings by taking shooting lessons and arming themselves with 0.45 calibre pistols.
The murder of four Filipino reporters earlier this year has prompted a show of resistance from their industry colleagues, determined to make a stand against media intimidation.
The decision to set up the unprecedented ‘Association of Responsible Media’ has been endorsed by local police authorities, who recommended that the reporters opt for self-protection.
In light of inadequate safety measures, about 20 journalists have responded by joining the Association, so they can learn how to operate firearms in real-world life-threatening situations.
It is understood that many of the attacks in the region have been targeted at journalists as a result of their reportage on corrupt officials and rogue business deals.
One tabloid journalist, noted for his brazen hard news reporting, said he was initially reluctant to take up arms, but felt there was no other option left.
Pablo Hernandez, who pens a column on the criminal underworld, told Reuters: “I did not want to ask for a permit to carry them [guns] because I believed that the pen is mightier than the gun.
“But with what's happening now, journalists are being killed like helpless chickens,” he said.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has rejected the idea, vowing to “reach out to them and tell them this is not the answer.”
The NUJP did however encourage reporters to use the “legal process” should they resort to taking up arms, adding that they would not “stop journalists who think they ought to.”
Meanwhile, the ARM has pointed out that nearly 70 reporters have been executed since dictator Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown, and democracy restored in 1986.
“The violence is getting worse,” said ARM President, Joel Egco. “The government is not doing enough and the justice system is very slow.”
Jun 2, 2005
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