Suspected militants fired at two low-flying military helicopters in Basilan province in the southern Philippines on August 16, 2009, injuring two journalists who were on board, according to local and international reports. The militants were thought to belong to the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is allegedly linked to Al-Qaida.
This week, CPJ’s Shawn W. Crispin examined the incredible risks and challenges confronting witnesses to journalist murders in the Philippines. Crispin’s report, “Under Oath, Under Threat,” featured Bob Flores, a man who has demonstrated extraordinary courage in identifying a gunman in the slaying of radio journalist Dennis Cuesta. Crispin and I had met Flores earlier…
In our special report “Under Oath, Under Threat,” CPJ’s Shawn Crispin examines the culture of impunity in the killings of journalists in the Philippines. Here, Crispin describes how intimidation and fear have stopped witnesses from coming forward to help put the murderers behind bars. Listen to the mp3 on the player above, or right click…
New York, June 29, 2009–Police in the Philippines must step up investigations into journalist killings following the shooting death of radio commentator Jonathan Petalvero on Saturday, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Petalvero is the fourth Philippine journalist killed this month, the third to be targeted for murder.
New York, June 25, 2009–The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about pending wiretapping charges against Cecilia “Cheche” Lazaro, a well-known journalist with the broadcaster ABS-CBN. If found guilty of violating the Anti-Wiretapping Act, she faces up to six years in prison.