Press Freedom Protection Archives | Page 19 of 76

Duterte and the Media: On the Rocks (Updated)

A YEAR into his presidency, Rodrigo Duterte’s speeches remain peppered with expletives and tirades, the most controversial of which have been directed at respected institutions: the church, international human rights organizations, journalists and media companies. President Duterte started lashing out at ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer in March and...

Online Threats against Journalists Mark Duterte’s 100 Days

IT STARTED even during the campaign. Journalists critical of anything about then candidate Rodrigo Duterte were savaged on social media and it has not stopped. Duterte’s defenders rain specific threats, rape, murder and libel suits, including harm to members of the journalist’s family. The latest victims of cyber...

TV Reporter Assaulted by Freed Hostage’s Kin

CMFR/PHILIPPINES—A television reporter and a cameraman were allegedly assaulted by the relatives of a freed hostage victim 22 September 2016 in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur. Zamboanga City is 1,333 kilometers south of Manila. ABS-CBN Zamboanga reporter Reuben James Rosalado and cameraman Jovito Alcoran were covering the release...

Kidapawan Broadcaster Arrested for Libel

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio manager and broadcaster in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato has been arrested and detained on two libel cases filed by a mayor of Makilala town also in North Cotabato. North Cotabato is 1,591 kilometers south of Manila. Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group...

Radio Reporter Receives Death Threats

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio reporter said he received death threats via mobile phone 7 September 2016 about a week after reporting being threatened by tourist policeman in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Lapu-Lapu City is 845 kilometers south of Manila. DySS Super Radyo (RGMA) reporter Norman Mendoza said he received...

Inquirer Ordered to Pay for Enrile Libel

CMFR/PHILIPPINES—An August 22 decision by the Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the Philippine Daily Inquirer to pay former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile P1.3 million in damages for a 2001 news article alleging that Enrile was among those who plundered the coco levy fund. A ruling by the Makati...

Ortega Murder Suspect Denied Bail

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A primary suspect in the 2011 murder of Palawan environmentalist and broadcaster Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega was denied bail Thursday, 8 September 2016 by a Puerto Princesa court. Palawan is 789 kilometers south of Manila. Judge Angelo Arizala of the Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court Branch 52...

Former Mayor Convicted for 2004 Killing of Broadcaster

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – The Cebu City court convicted of homicide on 10 August 2016 a former mayor of the municipality of Lezo in Aklan accused of killing broadcaster Herson Hinolan in 2004. Aklan is approximately 461 kilometers south of Manila. Branch 16 Judge Sylva Aguirre-Paderanga of the Regional Trial...

Journalist Says He was Threatened by Regional PIA Director

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A Butuan-based journalist said he was threatened by a Regional Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director following an altercation between the two on 24 July 2016. Butuan City is 1,208 kilometers south of Manila. Ben Serrano reported to CMFR allegedly continuous threats from PIA Caraga Regional Director...

PDEA Agents Harass TV Reporter

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 6 allegedly harassed a reporter from a state-run television channel while she was covering a drug buy-bust operation on July 26 in Iloilo City. Iloilo City is 660 kilometers south of Manila. Rena Manubag Dago-on of IBC TV 13 was...