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March 4, 2008
NUJP statement on ATO's no-fly zone
The National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) protests the
Air Transportation Office's declaration of a no-fly zone over the Makati
Central Business District at the height of last Friday's interfaith rally.
The declaration prohibits media helicopters, especifically ABS-CBN Network's Sky Patrol, which was covering the activities, out of the area.
We look at it as an infringement of the people's right to know and an assault on press freedom
The ATO's justification that the no-fly zone was for security reason is devoid of reason. Security for whom?
The declaration was intended to deprive the public of an accurate and
timely picture of events.
We are alarmed over such declaration especially at a time when the government,
especially the Philippine National Police, has issued warnings against
media to follow orders from authorities or face arrest.
We call on our colleagues to stand their ground and resist attempts to prevent the media from bringing out the news to the public.
Reference:
Jose Torres Jr., NUJP Chairperson
Rowena Paraan, NUJP Secretary-General