Human Rights Online Philippines

International media groups remind PNoy of pledge to protect journalists
March 15, 2012

Following the mauling and shooting of Palace reporter over the weekend, international media groups have reminded President Benigno Aquino III of his pledge to protect Philippine journalists during his watch.

The International Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and Committee to Protect Journalists also called for a speedy probe so the attackers of The Daily Tribune’s Fernan Angeles can be brought to justice.

Angeles was beaten up and shot near his house in Pasig City Sunday night. He is currently confined at the Pasig City General Hospital.

“We call upon President Benigno Aquino III to honor his pre-election commitment to defend press freedom in the Philippines, by seeing that all attacks on media workers are investigated and the perpetrators held accountable for their crimes,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said in an article posted on the group’s website on March 14.

She added Philippine police must quickly establish whether Angeles’ shooting is related to his work as a journalist. “The IFJ condemns the shooting and is concerned by what appears to be a continuing escalation of violence against journalists in the Philippines in 2012.”

At present, authorities are determining whether the attack was indeed related to Angeles’ work. Malacañang has also assured the victim’s family of adequate protection.

Read full article @ www.gmanetwork.com