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Statement
January 26, 2008
In defense of our kailyan and fellow journalist Dana Batnag
We condemn the PNP, DOJ witch-hunting vs. media
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines' Baguio-Benguet Chapter (NUJP-BB) condemns the authorities' statement implicating Dana Batnag, a reporter of the Jiji Press, in the escape of Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon after the November 29, 2007 Makati standoff at the Manila Peninsula.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier floated that journalists Ces Drillon and Ellen Tordesillas allegedly aided Faeldon's escape.
We view the move as a part of a systematic witch-hunting campaign to intimidate media and disallow them to perform their task to bring relevant information to the public.
The PNP's accusation that Batnag aided Faeldon in his escape is devoid of merit. The video showing her allegedly aiding Faeldon obviously recorded a normal interview witnessed by several others who were in the hotel.
Despite the accusations against her, we are proud of Dana, our kailyan from Besao, Mountain Province, as she was brave enough to cover a conflict situation. It is but a proof that she is unquestionably performing her task of bringing information to the public.
We are proud of Dana here in the Cordillera region, not only as a kailyan but more as a committed press freedom worker.
Earlier, the PNP floated the names of journalists Ces Drillon and Ellen Tordesillas as the journalists who allegedly aided the escape of Faeldon. These PNP acts reveal an insidious campaign to intimidate media which is either aimed to caution them in performing their tasks or to totally silence them.
We challenge the PNP and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a case against any media person believed to have aided Faeldon as we urge them to stop the witch- hunting activities.
We urge members of the press to stand firm against this campaign of
intimidation and to remain true to our calling to advance the people's
right to know.
References:
Arthur L. Allad-iw
Secretary-general, NUJP-BB
09175442202
Kathleen Okubo
Vice-chairperson, NUJP-BB
09175222272
Related statements:
Dana Batnag's statement
FoCAP Denounces Gov’t Over Dana Batnag
Case
PNP has resorted to rumor-mongering to justify press freedom violations