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December 6, 2007
NUJP urges authorities to ensure safety of Quezon journalist
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expresses
concern over the surveillance that has forced our colleague, Criselda
Cabangon, 24, reporter and columnist of Ang Diaryo Natin (ADN), and founding
member of the NUJP's Quezon chapter, into hiding.
We call on authorities to ensure her safety and, if any of their units
are involved in the surveillance, demand that these be ordered to stand
down immediately and explain why they have placed a member of the media
under surveillance.
According to reports from colleagues in Quezon, Cabangon said unidentified
persons have been shadowing her since Monday and that her neighbors had
confirmed that strangers had been asking about her whereabouts.
Immediately leaving her house, she sought refuge with a friend and immediately contacted officers and members of the NUJP in the province who have since brought her to a safe place.
We commend both Cabangon and the NUJP-Quezon, led by Francia Britania-Malabanan,
for their quick thinking.
We would like to take comfort in the assurance of Army Major Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Southern Luzon Command, that "we do not know her [Cabangon] much less plan to apprehend her for whatever reason."
However, the statement appears too pat for comfort. As spokesman of
a major military command, it seems implausible for Cabangbang not to
know who Cabangon is. Especially given Cabangon's background as a former
student leader and campus journalist who had experienced being placed
under surveillance then, and her current reputation for "fearless
write-ups on issues concerning common people."
While his advice to report any suspicious persons is well taken, we do think Cabangbang's suggestion to "confront the officer in charge" of any unit suspected of harassing or threatening a journalist, or any one for that matter, is facetious, to say the least. Especially so in light of the findings of several international investigations, including that of the United Nations special rapporteur, into the extrajudicial killings sweeping the country.
Having been informed of possible threats to Cabangon's well-being, it is now incumbent on the authorities to ensure her security, not just as a journalist but as a citizen entitled to their protection.
Reference:
Jose Torres, Jr.
NUJP Chairman