CEBU CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 18, 2013) – Four journalists were reported to have died and several more are still missing following the devastation of typhoon Haiyan in central Philippines, media groups said.
The Alab ng Mamamahayag (ALAM) identified the four fatalities as Archia Globio and Malou Realino, both of radio station dyBR in Tacloban City; Allan Medina and Ronald Vinas, of dyVL Aksyon Radyo, also in Tacloban.
Vinas body has not been recovered. He was killed along with two family members of their radio station personnel.
Seven reporters remain missing and feared dead – Sarwell Meniano, who writes for Leyte-Samar Daily Express and BusinessWorld; Jasmine Bonifacio, of Radyo Diwa; Benjamin Veridiano, who strings for GMA television; Babay Jaca, Lulu Palencia, and Jun Estoya, all of dyBR and an unnamed radio technician.
The ALAM has offered prayers and sympathy to the bereaved families of the journalists.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has put up a relief drive to help journalists and local media outlets recover from the typhoon through “Tabang Media” (Help for and by the Media).
NUJP said the drive would not only bring relief, but also to help local media outfits rebuild infrastructure so they can deliver much-needed information to the local communities under crisis.
It said while national and international media outlets have given the big picture of the damage brought about by Haiyan, information for and from locals in badly-hit cities and towns are not fully provided.
The typhoon rendered all local radio stations and other media outlets in Leyte inoperable. NUJP said initially, Tabang Media is reaching out and bridging the gap through material, financial and psycho-social assistance.
“Since all local radio, television and newspapers have ceased to operate due to damages in equipment, offices and personnel, media infrastructure is non-existent. This means not having jobs for the next several months for the media workers, and, for the communities, not having information when they need it,” said Rowena Paraan, NUJP chairperson.
NUJP said all donations can be coursed to Tabang Media bank account – Metrobank Kamuning Branch Account Number 229-7229-507-458. And swift code is MBTCMMPH.
Paraan said for those who wanted to help may call the NUJP its official mobile phone 0916-2221055 or go the NUJP National Office at FSS Building at #89 Scout Castor Street, Laging Handa in Quezon City. (With a report from Nanet Villafania)
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