PTFoMS alarmed over murder raps vs. Masbate journos, Philippines

[Starmix]

According to the report, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has requested the provincial prosecutor of Masbate for clarification on the filing of a murder charge against two local journalists, who were also accused of membership with a local communist terrorist movement.

The report also stated that PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez, in a letter to Masbate Provincial Prosecutor Jeremias Mapula, sought assurance that he adhered to the provisions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in identifying local broadcasters Benjamin Gigante and Jose Alfaro as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and that there are enough evidence pointing to them as participants in the killing of a certain Richard Bauso in Cawayan town on April 6.

Specifically, Gutierrez sought clarification on whether the purported membership of Gigante and Alfaro with the CPP-NPA was validated by the appropriate intelligence units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The report added that Gutierrez reminded Mapula that as the government’s mechanism to address all violations on the right to life, liberty, and security of all members of the media, the PTFoMS is chaired by the Secretary of Justice with the full support of all the attached agencies of the DOJ, including the National Prosecution Service, of which you are a part of.

In addition to the report, it appeared these local media personalities were first accused of being members of the local communist terrorist movement in Masbate before being linked to the murder of the victims, the report said.

Source: PNA

 

[gwolf666]

I believe the situation these journalists face in Masbate reflects a complex and delicate problem. On the one hand, it is important that the accusations be handled rigorously and with due process, especially when they involve such sensitive issues as terrorism and press freedom. The PTFoMS's request to verify the evidence and the journalists' membership is understandable, but it also raises concerns about how these accusations could affect freedom of expression and journalistic work in the region. It is crucial that investigations be transparent and based on solid evidence, free from bias or external pressure. The justice system must act impartially to prevent cases like this from being used to silence critical voices or for political purposes. The protection of journalists and the pursuit of truth must be priorities in any democratic system.

 

[Starmix]

There are many journalists murdered in my country. The people behind the criminals could be politicians who might have been exposed to their corruption and other anomalies, so they silenced the journalist or radio commentator.

 

[kit_hung]

According to the report, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has requested the provincial prosecutor of Masbate for clarification on the filing of a murder charge against two local journalists, who were also accused of membership with a local communist terrorist movement.

The report also stated that PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez, in a letter to Masbate Provincial Prosecutor Jeremias Mapula, sought assurance that he adhered to the provisions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in identifying local broadcasters Benjamin Gigante and Jose Alfaro as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and that there are enough evidence pointing to them as participants in the killing of a certain Richard Bauso in Cawayan town on April 6.

First we must say that this issue is very serious because it concerns journalists and also terrorism allegations. It is very important that every step is taken fairly and the evidence is clear. Otherwise, people can be hurt for no reason and that is not right.

Secondly, PTFoMS has expressed concern by writing a letter to the Masbate prosecutor. This shows that there are eyes watching and no one will do things lightly. Journalists should be protected because their job is to educate the community and bring the truth.

Finally, we must remember that justice is the foundation of peace. If there is evidence, then it should be presented clearly and if there is none, then the accused should be released. This is a big challenge but also an opportunity to show that the law works. When justice is violated, the community loses faith in the government.