NUJP Bacolod Chapter

28/09/2023

ON WITHHOLDING NAMES OF SUSPECTS AND VICTIMS IN MEDIA REPORTS

We express concern about the revised policy of the Philippine National Police, as relayed by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, of withholding the names of suspects and victims in media reports related to crime incidents.

We understand the importance of respecting the privacy and safety of individuals involved in these cases, but we believe it is equally vital to maintain transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

When the names of suspects and victims are consistently withheld, it can create an atmosphere of secrecy and mistrust, dismissing the PNP's commitment to transparency and accountability to the public.

Withholding the names may also impede the community's ability to assist authorities in their efforts to solve crimes or provide support to victims and their families.

While we believe that there should be clear and consistent policy in deciding when to release names, it is equally important that the guidelines and protocols should strike a balance between the need for privacy and the need for transparency.

We also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the media, as a watchdog, to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement and public office.

Through unbiased reporting, and access to public records, we hold police officers and public officials accountable for their actions to ensure fairness.

It is incumbent that gatekeeping of such information would come from the media, and not the police themselves.

We call on the PNP to reconsider its policy regarding the disclosure of names in media reports to establish a more transparent and accountable approach to strengthen public trust and to foster a safer community.*

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Bacolod chapter

23/11/2021

[Statement] 12 years after Ampatuan Massacre, forgetting is not an option

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines joins the families of the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre and the media community in the continuing call for justice for the deadliest single attack on journalists in the world.

Although the guilty verdict handed down in December 2019 was a victory, we acknowledge that that was only partial justice and one that we must be vigilant about losing. Even as the families wait for further developments in the case, justice is even more elusive for the family of Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay Jr., who was not included among the victims of the massacre because his remains have yet to be found.

We join his daughter Reynafe Momay-Castillo and the other families in asserting that there were 58 victims of the 2009 massacre. We continue to because, like for the families, forgetting is not an option and will never be an option.

Even as we call for justice for the 58, NUJP also stands in solidarity with media workers who have been harassed, attacked and killed since 2009. In the constantly changing media landscape, attacks are no longer limited to physical ones.

According to Pinoy Media Center, publisher of Pinoy Weekly, their website was targeted last week by a Distributed Denial of Service attack. This as well as other attacks on media and attempts to stem the free flow of information contribute to the very adverse conditions that journalists and media workers in the Philippines have been working in.

The Ampatuan Massacre is a symbol and a symptom of the culture of impunity on the attacks on media and other civilians.

It is a grim reminder of the rottenness of the political system ruled by dynasties and warlords. This day calls upon us to remain vigilant and continue defending democracy against tyranny and it is for calling for accountability for these attacks that we can help keep our colleagues safe.




Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

17/09/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165558555220374&id=229482870373

The fight for press freedom never ends.

Watch out for the relaunching of NUJP's Masked Media campaign on September 21, 2021!

28/08/2021

[Statement] A year later, our call remains: Ibalik ang ABS-CBN

28 August 2021

A year ago today, 53 ABS-CBN television and radio stations in regions outside Metro Manila went silent, a consequence of a House committee's decision to reject a new franchise for the broadcast giant.

While it is true that the network and some of its programming are still available online, the loss of regional stations hampers the flow of information to and from areas outside the capital.

In some cases, this may mean fewer eyes and voices to act as a check on government. In others, this could mean the loss of access to information on typhoons and disaster preparations.

It is true that ABS-CBN is not the only media network in the Philippines but we are all weaker when one of us is silenced. Beyond ratings and revenues, the hampered operations of one network means less coverage of local issues and diminished service to the public.

It also means thousands of our colleagues who have lost their jobs or have had to make do with lower pay.

Today, we mark a year since our fellow media workers were silenced and the communities they served deprived of a source of verified information.

Although a year has passed, our call has remained the same and it is one we will continue making: Laban, Kapamilya. Ibalik ang ABS-CBN.

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

28/08/2021

https://fb.watch/7FXbV3b4SH/

28/08/2021

26/08/2021

One year ago, 53 regional stations of ABS-CBN were forced to close down after the broadcasting company's franchise renewal was denied.

Join us on Saturday, August 28, as we reiterate our call to bring back ABS-CBN on air.

20/08/2021

12/08/2021

PRESS CONFERENCE: Ombudsman junks raps filed by Mindanao journo against police, military

Davao-based journalist Margarita Valle will appeal the recent Ombudsman decision junking her motion for reconsideration on the administrative and criminal charges she filed against 14 members of the police and military over her arrest and detention in June 2019.

She is joined by her legal counsel from the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers and officers of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and International Association of Women in Radio and Television-Philippines in an online press conference.

31/07/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165413584675374&id=229482870373

25/07/2021

25/07/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165396078395374&id=229482870373

Amid the grim situation, Filipino journalists and media workers have not been taking the attacks sitting down.

24/07/2021

LIVE: Alamin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng media sa bansa.

Tumutok sa State of the Media Address ngayong gabi, hatid ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

10/07/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165346735005374&id=229482870373

10/07/2021

09/07/2021

https://www.facebook.com/650457506/posts/10158329666072507/

07/07/2021

The former National Union of Journalists of the Philippines chairman died in his sleep surrounded by his family at their home at Capitol Heights, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, his sister Mate Espina said.

Newsman Jose Jaime “Nonoy” Espina, 59, succumbed to liver cancer at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, July 7.

12/06/2021

NUJP holds an online jam and fundraiser for the medical expenses of our former chairperson Nonoy Espina.

Join us tomorrow, June 13, from 6pm to 9pm as we stream the online event live from the official page of The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

=====================

Here's where you can send help for the fundraiser:

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Metrobank Kamuning
229-7-229-50756-3

Jhoanna Paola Ballaran
GCash/Paymaya
09617626684

05/05/2021

https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/videos/870189527174294/

09/04/2021

STATEMENT | Why blame journalists for being harassed?

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines welcomes the military's concern over harassment of a boat carrying ABS-CBN journalist Chiara Zambrano and her team by Chinese vessels in Philippine waters as well as the investigation the Armed Forces of the Philippines has promised.

We take exception however to the AFP's statement suggesting that the incident was caused by "journalists' insatiable desire to be ahead in reporting" and its suggestion for them "to exercise prudence in the course of their job."

The ABS-CBN team was headed to Ayungin Shoal in Kalayaan, Palawan and was intercepted by Chinese ships while inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. While it is true that the military invites some members of the media to ride along on its ships and its aircraft, an opportunity that we hope is open to all journalists, the team was in a civilian boat sailing in Philippine waters, an act that is legal in the Philippines and presumably safe.

It is almost like the military is asking the Filipino journalists "what were you doing there?" even when the better question might be aimed at the AFP: What were you not doing there?

An even more important question is what the Chinese military was doing in our waters and how the Duterte administration plans to address this incident.

We are glad that Zambrano and her team were able to return safely to the Palawan mainland after the encounter with Chinese vessels around 200 kilometers away.

We commend them for going the extra nautical miles to try to get a better perspective on the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

April 9, 2021

08/04/2021

[STATEMENT] Media workers as essential as the stories we produce

We have come to the point where staying alive is a daily struggle.

We are saddened and enraged that the new spike in COVID-19 cases is even more vicious.

It pains us to see how the Duterte administration resorts to the same failed COVID-19 response, ignoring calls for scientific approach in battling the spread of the pandemic. More than a year since the lockdown, the Duterte administration has been adamant in implementing mobility restrictions without raising the bar of the health care system nor implementing free mass testing, effective contact tracing and isolation, among others.

No thanks to the inefficient government response to the pandemic, we receive reports of two cameramen dying due to COVID-19 and at least 58 fellow journalists and media workers testing positive for coronavirus. Although media workers are considered essential workers during the quarantine, the lack of support and assistance for them suggests they are not seen as that important after all.

While we hold the administration accountable for the rate of infection, we would like to remind media companies of their obligation to protect their employees, including correspondents and contributors.

Media companies should provide free swab testing, hazard pay especially for those covering on the ground and health insurance. Those infected should be given emergency cash assistance, access to quality health care, and psychosocial support. Those who are willing to be inoculated must also be given access to safe and effective vaccine.

Our friends, colleagues and families are not just “maliit na bagay.”

As we call for support for our colleagues struck by the virus, we stand with the Filipino people in demanding a comprehensive and scientific COVID-19 response.

National Directorate

06/04/2021

As the Philippines sees high, often record-breaking, daily rises in COVID-19, NUJP has been receiving mounting reports of colleagues testing positive for the coronavirus.

While some may be receiving support from their newsrooms and employers, many — especially those outside the capital and those who are freelancers — are not. Although media workers are considered essential workers during the quarantine, the lack of support and assistance for them suggests they are not seen as that important after all.

In the coming days, NUJP will set up a donation drive — part of a more long-term campaign to raise support for colleagues affected by the pandemic — to give media workers some aid during these trying times.

In the meantime, we are accepting donations through through NUJP’s Metrobank account (Account Name: National Union of Journalists of the Philippines; Account Number: 229-7-229-50757-1) or Paypal : [email protected]

We hope that you will join us in making sure that sa gitna ng pandemya, hindi mag-iisa ang tagapagbalita.

01/04/2021

[Statement] Uphold the values of journalism

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines reminds our colleagues in the media to uphold the values of fair, accurate, balanced reporting in journalism at all times. It is important to ensure that we only report verifiable facts when filing stories for our respective media outlets.

We are concerned that some recent reports do not reflect these values by letting themselves become conduits of government statements and releases that are presented as facts but are in fact biased and unsubstantiated.

Echoing or amplifying these statements from government agencies and others in power is a huge disservice to our profession and to the public that we have sworn to serve. Our commitment as journalists should always remain with the truth.

The job of a journalist therefore is not merely to relay statements from the powerful but to sift through information provided by our sources and present information as we understand it even as it may debunk the official narrative.

We must always resist the temptation to sensationalize stories, and not let industry competition get in the way of serving the public interest.

We must ensure that the citizens we serve are heard or seen in our stories, as many journalists in the past year of the pandemic have done.

In these challenging times, we need to be vigilant more than ever against disinformation and attempts to peddle narratives that make a mockery of our freedom of expression and people's right to public information. We will not allow ourselves to become vessels of hatred or propaganda pushed by certain vested interests.

It is at these times that we should be beacons of truth that cast light over outright lies, distortions and disinformation.

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

30/03/2021

[Statement] The loss of one media worker is a loss for the media community

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines calls for a quick resolution into the shooting of Rizalino ‘Inday Rufing’ Torralba, a popular disc jockey for Kiss FM who was killed in Tagbilaran City on Saturday night.

According to initial reports, Andrew Fontreras, said to be Inday Rufing's personal driver and who is a suspect in the shooting, has surrendered to local police and is already in custody.

We call for the investigation to clarify Fontreras' claim that Inday Rufing was shot accidentally after grabbing his gun, which was on the bed in a room at the Tagbilaran Backpacker's Inn.

Although it is unclear if her death was related to her work, NUJP hopes for justice in the case. The loss of one media worker is a loss to the community, especially at a time when accurate and timely information is most needed.

Torralba is the 20th journalist killed under the Duterte administration.

The Philippines remains a dangerous place for journalists. The Duterte administration has not taken measures to protect journalists and Duterte himself has emboldened attacks against the Philippine media by his public pronouncements portraying members of the media as enemies of the state.

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

28/03/2021

[Alert] Radio announcer shot dead in Tagbilaran City

A popular disc jockey of Kiss FM and an event host was shot dead inside Room 8 of Backpackers' Inn around 10 p.m. March 27, in Mansasa, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Initial police report said Rizalino 'Inday Rufing' Torralba, 45, died of gunshot wound from an unknown caliber hand gun.

The police identified the suspect as Andrew Fontreras, who immediately reported the incident and surrendered this morning, March 28.

Footage from Inn's CCTV camera shows Fontreras left the room alone at 11 p.m., the police said.

Fontreras told police that Inday Rufing grabbed his gun which was on the bed and allegedly fired it accidentally, hitting the radio dj and killing her instantly.

Fontreras also claimed he was Inday Rufing's personal driver, the police said.

Inday Rufing was also a faculty member of the University of Bohol.

Investigation is now ongoing.

Reference:
NUJP Safety Office
+639175155991

25/03/2021

[Statement] NUJP welcomes bill seeking to punish red-tagging, reiterates call for junking of Anti-Terror Law

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines welcomes the proposal by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon to define and penalize red-tagging by state actors.

Although the 1987 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, this does not give state offices and agents free license to label activists, rights workers, labor organizers and journalists as enemies of the state and terrorists.

The government is the primary duty bearer in upholding human rights. These dangerous accusations, when done by state agents as part of a so-called counter-insurgency program, are no longer private opinions and conspiracy theories but official actions and policy.

One of our directors, Manila Today editor Lady Ann Salem, is a target of red-tagging and was arrested on an invalid warrant. There have been no immediate consequences to erring parties and the judge who ordered her release has herself been linked to communist rebels.

Red-tagging has often led to harassment and violence against its targets and NUJP welcomes moves that will protect journalists from these threats and hold those making them to account.

We also reiterate our opposition to the Anti-Terrorism Act, which makes terror tagging even more dangerous, and has dire implications on the performance of our duty. While a law penalizing red-tagging is welcome, the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act violates our basic human rights, including the right to a free press.

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

25/03/2021

[News Release] Fresh out of jail, Lady Ann Salem elected as NUJP director; NUJP elects youngest Board yet

25 March 2021

Less than a month after her release, Manila Today editor Lady Ann Salem was elected one of the 15 directors of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) at its recently concluded 11th Congress.

With the theme, “Braving the Storm, Emerging Stronger,” the Union’s Congress held last March 20-21 in blended platforms gathered more than a hundred members from 34 chapters in the country and from the Middle East and Europe.

"The inclusion of Icy in the national directorate is the Union’s strong assertion that journalism is never a crime," Jonathan de Santos, NUJP newly-elected chairperson, said.

"Her release is a breath of fresh air amid the continuing attacks on press freedom. It is also a vindication of our role as truth-tellers. Just as the attack on Icy was an attack on all of us, her victory is also our victory."

Salem, along with labor organizer Rodrigo Esparago, was arrested during simultaneous raids on Dec. 10, 2020 and was charged with illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives. A local court in Mandaluyong rendered invalid the search warrant used for the arrests, and consequently ordered her release.

Speaking to NUJP members, Salem thanked the Union for standing by her.

"I have just read the NUJP statements about my case. Thank you. Because of you, I was not treated like a criminal [while in detention]," she said in Filipino.

The 11th Congress also adopted resolutions, including one which aims to intensify the campaign against red-tagging of journalists.

"The case of Icy proves how dangerous red-tagging can be for journalists just as it is for human rights defenders," de Santos said.

The NUJP also vowed to continue pushing for the release of another journalist, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who remains in detention over charges of illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives.

Cumpio was also labeled as a "propagandist for the communists" for telling the stories of the marginalized communities in the Eastern Visayas region.

Salem and Esparago were released after a court found irregularities in their arrest and in the warrant against them.

Cumpio, who had previously been red-tagged and harassed, was arrested on a questionable warrant and disputed evidence.

NUJP as an organization has been listed as one of the so-called communist fronts by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Its members from different parts of the country also reported being labeled as part of the underground communist movement, and some have been subjected to physical surveillance, threats and harassment.

"We will hold to account those responsible for endangering the lives of our members," de Santos said.

Aside from red-tagging, NUJP has tallied 19 journalist killings, 42 reports of intimidation and harassment of journalists, 24 reports of online harassment, and 27 cases of libel and cyberlibel filed against journalists since 2016.

While journalists in the Philippines have always been at risk, the incidents highlight threats not only to journalists but to the people's right to know.

Millennial board

NUJP's recent Congress also elected its youngest Board yet, with most members in their 30s, marking a new chapter in the Union's history.

Rappler reporter Jairo Bolledo is the youngest at 23, while nine directors are from online news outlets.

"The composition of the new directorate is a testament to the NUJP's strong ability to adapt in a fast-changing media landscape and empower new leaders who will fight for press freedom and journalists' safety and welfare," de Santos said.

"We have big shoes to fill but the previous board left a strong foundation for the fight to defend press freedom and we are ready to continue the work started and sustained by generations of Filipino journalists."

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991

LINK: https://nujp.org/news/fresh-out-of-jail-lady-ann-salem-elected-as-nujp-director-nujp-elects-youngest-board-yet/

23/03/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10164936489915374&id=229482870373

After layoffs, Bacolod journalists start digital news platform by Marchel P. Espina, NUJP Bacolod chapter BACOLOD CITY — “I really don’t know,” this was all I could muster when Romeo Subaldo, the news chief then of ABS-CBN Bacolod, asked me what I will do after our local newspaper would ceas...

22/03/2021

[STATEMENT] Emerging stronger: New NUJP leaders call on fellow journalists to unite, resist attacks
March 22, 2021

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has weathered a storm alongside colleagues in the profession but we still face rough seas ahead, if not rougher.

The systematic red-tagging of the NUJP, media outlets, and journalists has intensified in the past five years, endangering the lives of members of the press toiling hard to keep the people informed. Aside from being branded as enemies of the state, journalists have reported receiving threats telling them to stop being critical of government or be silenced.

This amid other attacks on press freedom including threats of closure and other forms of harassment that our colleagues from Rappler, ABS-CBN, and alternative media outfits have faced under the Duterte administration.

During its 11th Congress and Safety Conference held through blended platforms on March 20-21, 2021, the NUJP passed a resolution condemning the red-tagging of journalists and the threats that it brings. The plenary, attended by nearly a hundred members from 30 chapters and formations nationwide and overseas, overwhelmingly approved the declaration compelling the organization to hold legally accountable those behind the red-tagging of media workers.

The arrest last year of Manila Today editor and now NUJP director Lady Ann Salem, declared invalid by a Mandaluyong court for being an irregular search operation, the current detention of Eastern Vista executive director Frenchie Mae Cumpio in Tacloban City, and the killings of 19 journalists under the Duterte administration prove that these are not idle threats.

The NUJP, under its new leadership, strongly condemns the red-tagging of its members, colleagues, and of the organization itself. The Union vows to step up its campaign against such malicious efforts, and hold responsible those behind these systematic attacks against us.

The NUJP also rejects the assertion that featuring underreported issues and communities and questioning the government narrative makes a journalist anyone's enemy, and certainly not an enemy of the people.

The recently-concluded Congress is testament to the tenacity and strength of Filipino journalists amid the escalating repression. The composition of its new directorate is a show of stronger unity, and a clear message that we will continue truth-telling in the face of lies peddled by the enemies of press freedom.

The NUJP's new executive committee is composed of Jonathan de Santos (Philstar.com) and Kath M. Cortez (Davao Today) as chairperson and vice chairperson. Len Olea of Bulatlat.com is secretary-general and Anjo Bagaoisan of the ABS-CBN chapter is deputy secretary-general. Jhoanna Ballaran (Jiji Press) is treasurer while Marchel Espina (Rappler/Digicast Negros) is auditor.

Serving as directors are Judith Suarez (Sure FM Tandag Surigao del Sur), Lady Ann Salem (Manila Today), Voltaire Tupaz (FYT Media), Red Magtoto (Baretang Bikolnon), Jairo Bolledo (Rappler), Ricky Bautista (Samar Weekly Express), Macel Ingles (ABS-CBN Global), Glenn Lopez Uy (Mindanao Goldstar Daily) and Lian Buan (Rappler).

As we write a new chapter of the Union’s history, we call on all journalists to stand up for each other in the face of these threats and be in the service of the Filipino people. A free and independent press is a foundation of a true democratic society and protects the public’s right to be informed and right to express themselves. While we may have differences in editorial policies, we emphasize that journalism is not a crime nor an invitation for attack and harassment and we cannot allow it to be so.

Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991