Now, through Sec. Sonny Coloma, we have a very clear idea of how much press freedom and justice mean to this administration — zilch.
The good secretary has gone on record as saying that, without the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan massacre, which claimed the lives of 58 people, 32 of them media workers, the murder of journalists in this country is nothing to lose sleep over.
“Kung ihihiwalay naman ‘yung Maguindanao figures, hindi naman talaga tayo ‘yung lalabas na [most dangerous place for journalists]. Hindi naman ganu’n kaseryoso o kalala ‘yung problemang ‘yun (If we separate the Maguindanao figures, we would not really be the [most dangerous place for journalists]. The problem is not really that serious),” Coloma says in a Philippine Star report (http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/11/22/1259619/palace-without-maguindanao-massacre-media-killings-phl-not-so-serious).
Going by Coloma’s twisted logic, 157 murders less the 32 victims of the massacre give us 125, a trivial figure. It could be that where extrajudicial killing has claimed the lives of hundreds of activists, environmentalists, human rights defenders, indigenous people, lawyers, clerics, religious and many others whose only crime was to speak their minds, their deaths unsolved and those responsible unpunished.
Which also makes all too clear how this government regards human rights and free expression — zilch.
May we suggest that Mr. Coloma get in touch with the families of the following, less the Ampatuan 32, and advice them not to fret too much, that their loss and their grief are nothing serious:
1. Pete F. Mabazza
2. Wilfredo “Willy” Vicoy
3. Florante “Boy” de Castro
4. Dionisio Perpetuo Joaquin
5. Narciso Balani
6. Rogie Zagado
7. Leo Palo
8. Martin Castor
9. Ramon Noblejas
10. Noel Miranda
11. Ruben R. Manrique
13. Josef Aldeguer Nava
14. Severino Arcones
15. Eddie Telan
16. Reynaldo Catindig Sr.
17.Jean Ladringan
18. Nesino Paulin Toling
19. Danilo Vergara
20. Ladjid “Jade” Ladja
21. Rev. Greg Hapalla
22. Gloria Martin
23. Romeo Andrada Legaspi
24. Rosauro Lao
25. Ding Sade
26. Ferdinand Reyes
27. Alberto Berbon
28. Evelyn Joy Militante
29. Daniel J. Hernandez
30. Regalado Mabazza
31. Odilon Mallari
32. Rey Bancairin
33. Nelson Catipay
34. Dominador “Dom” Bentulan
35. Frank Palma
36. Vincent Rodriguez
37. Olimpio Jalapit
38. Rolando Ureta
39. Muhammad Yusop
40. Candelario Jumamil Cayona Jr.
41. Joy Mortel
42. Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez
43. Edgar Palomeras Damalerio
44. Sonny Alcantara
45. John Belen Villanueva Jr.
46. Apolinario “Polly” Pobeda
47. Bonifacio Gregorio
48. Noel Villarante
49. Rico Ramirez
50. Juan Porras Pala Jr.
51. Nelson Nadura
52. Rowel Endrinal
53. Elpidio “Ely” Binoya
54. Roger Mariano
55. Arnel Manalo
56. Jonathan ” Jun” Abayon
57. Fernando Consignado
58. Romy Binungcal
59. Eldy Gabinales (Eldy Sablas)
60. Gene Boyd Lumawag
61. Herson “Boy” Hinolan
62. Michael Llorin
63. Allan Dizon
64. Stephen Omaois
65. Edgar Amoro
66. Arnulfo Villanueva
67. Romeo Sanchez
68. Marlene Garcia Esperat
69. Klein Cantoneros
70. Philip Agustin
71. Rolando “Dodong” Morales
72. Ricardo “Ding” Uy
73. Robert Ramos
74. George Benaojan
75. Rolly Cañete
76. Graciano Aquino
77. Orlando Mendoza
78. Nicolas Cervantes
79. Albert Orsolino
80. Fernando “Dong” Batul
81. George Vigo
82. Macel Alave-Vigo
83. Armando Pace
84. Ralph Ruñez
85. Prudencio “Dick” Melendrez
86. Ponciano Grande
87. Andres “Andy” Acosta
88. Hernani Pastolero
89. Carmelo “Mark” Palacios
90. Dodie Nuñez
91. Vicente Sumalpong
92. Fernando “Batman” Lintuan
93. Benefredo Acabal
94. Marcos Mataro
95. Robert Sison
96. Martin Roxas
97. Dennis Cuesta
98. Arecio Padrigao, Sr.
99. Leo Mila
100. Badrodin Abas
101. Ernesto Rollin
102. Crispin Perez
103. Antonio Castillo
104. Jonathan Petalvero
105. Godofredo Linao, Jr.
106. Ismael Pasigma
107. Desiderio “Jessie” Camangyan
108. Jovelito Agustin
109. Nestor Bedolido
110. Miguel Belen
111. Gerry Ortega
112. Cirillo Gallardo
113. Maria Len Flores Somera
114. Romy Olea
115. Niel “Lito” Jimena
116. Datu Roy Bagtikan Gallego
117. Alfredo “Dodong” Velarde, Jr.
118. Antonio Silagon
118. Nestor Libaton
119. Rommel “Jojo” Palma
120. Aldion Layao
121. Julius Cauzo
122. Christopher Guarin
123. Mario Vendiola
124. Mario Sy
125. Fernando “Nanding” Solijon
126. Vergel Bico
And then, to underscore the gravitas of his thoughts, let us add them too:
127. Benjie Adolfo
128. Henry Araneta
129. Mc Delbert “Mac-mac” Arriola
130. Rubello Bataluna
131. Arturo Betia
132. Romeo Jimmy “Pal-ak” Cabillo
133. Jephon Cadagdagon
134. Marites Cablitas
135. Hannibal Cachuela
136. John Caniban
137. Eleanor “Leah” Dalmacio
138.Noel Decena
139. Gina dela Cruz
140. Jose “Jhoy” Duhay
141. Jolito Evardo
142. Santos Gatchalian, Jr.
143. Bienvenido Legarta, Jr.
144. Lindo Lupogan
145. Ernesto “Bombo Bart” Maravilla
146. Rey Merisco
147. Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay
148. Marife “Neneng” Montaño
149. Rosell Morales
150. Victor Nuñez
151. Joel Parcon
152. Ronnie Perante
153. Fernando “Ranny ” Razon
154. Alejandro “Bong” Reblando
155. Napoleon “Nap” Salaysay
156. Francisco “Ian” Subang, Jr.
157. Andres “Andy” Teodoro
158. Daniel Tiamzon
Then when you are done, do come back to us and remind us again how the murder of the bearers of truth, never mind the taking of life itself, is really not that serious.
Rowena Paraan
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
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