ZAMBOANGA CITY – Journalists here led by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Zamboanga City Chapter tackled issues currently confronted by Mindanao media on ethics, job security, and justice for slain colleagues.
“NUJP-Zamboanga joins all colleagues in the media and co-members of NUJP from various chapters in our fight against media oppression,” said NUJP-Zamboanga Chair Frencie Carreon in a statement on November 23, where Zamboanga media convened to commemorate the third death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58.
On November 20, NUJP-Zamboanga in partnership with Ateneo De Zamboanga University, organized a symposium on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, with NUJP Secretary-General Rowena Carranza-Paraan and Right to Information Right Now Coalition Convener Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan as guest speakers.
Malaluan discussed the salient features of the bill, and the need for it to be passed, especially before the adjournment of the 15th Congress of the Philippines by November 27. Paraan highlighted the value of its passage into law for journalists and the rest of the Philippine citizenry.
On November 22, NUJP-Zamboanga and ADZU held a small-group forum on Media Ethics and The Role of the Media in the Transformation of Society, with Fr. Albert ‘Paring Bert’ Alejo, SJ as lead discussant. Alejo, author of ‘Ehemplo’ addressed the challenge, ‘Debe ba el periodista queda un ejemplo?’ (Should the journalist be an example?) in discussing shared integrity especially in Mindanao society.
“We provide trainings to educate our ranks, professionalizing and constantly reminding our colleagues about our responsibility for right information, upholding ethics and self-regulation,” Carreon stressed.
NUJP-Zamboanga together with the Zamboanga City Press Club commemorated on Friday evening the third death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58, 32 among whom were media workers.
“Sky lanterns, prayers and more trainings signify our contributions in commemorating the 3d death anniversary of the Maguindanao 58,” Carreon said.
“Sky lanterns are our expressions to demand for justice. We offer prayers for continued guidance in our work and for the families of the victims,” she added. The prayer and song for the victims were led by Fr. Alejo at a solemn gathering at Paseo del Mar, this city.
“We not only commemorate the death of the Maguindanao 58, especially the 32 media workers. We also remember and offer prayers for Ladjid Jade Laja of Prensa Zamboanga, Rev. Greg Hapalla of DXAS Radio Zamboanga, Gloria ‘Golondrina’ Martin of DXXX Radyo Isabela, Basilan, Rey Bancairin and Candelario ‘Jun’ Cayona both of DXLL Radio Zamboanga. They were slain many years ago and till now justice has not been served. Perpetrators remain unknown,” she said.
Students and teachers from eleven schools joined the journalists in the prayers and the release of 63 sky lanterns. These schools are Ateneo De Zamboanga University, Zamboanga State College and Marine Science Technology, Mein College, Western Mindanao State University, Southern City Colleges, Zamboanga National High School Main, Universidad de Zamboanga, Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School, Nuevo Zamboanga College, and Simpson Alliance School. (NUJP-Zamboanga City)
20