Carrying Terrorists’ Message

Screengrab from ABS-CBN News’ Youtube channel.

JEERS TO ABS-CBN 2 for airing a video that in violation of established protocols in the coverage of terrorism, disseminated terrorist propaganda.

The Oct. 11 exclusive report “Mga terorista, nagsanib-pwersa umano sa Mindanao” used footage of Sarangani-based terror group Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP). The reporter referred to an ABS-CBN “source” who said that the video was shot in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias Tokboy, the leader of the AKP, was seen swearing allegiance to Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan and supposedly the recognized “emir” or leader of the jihadist militant group Islamic State (ISIS) in the Philippines. Tokboy was directly facing the camera with other members of the AKP lined up beside him.

The follow-up report aired on Oct. 12 used the same footage of Tokboy, but this time the video was longer and included what appeared to have been set-up for a publicity video of the group. It showed Tokboy positioned in the middle of other members of his group, urging his brothers in the Islamic faith to “unite.” The speech seemed designed to recruit supporters. The reporter had mentioned in this follow-up report that Tokboy allegedly arranged for the shooting of the video (“nagpakuha ng video diumano”).

Airing videos of terrorists who directly address their presumed audience helps them get the publicity they covet to gain public support. The established standards of covering terrorists and terrorism deny them such publicity, which would amount to the media’s being used for these groups’ purposes. Those standards mandate that no reports should allow terrorists to present their messages via the media, much less allow the airing of video footage that not only do so, but also tend to glorify them and their goals.