DAVAO CITY (2 November)– The Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC), an organization of journalists in Mindanao who bonded together to advance press freedom and democracy joined journalists around the world in commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
“Let us remember those who sacrificed and died while doing a legitimate story in the quest for truth. Their death should be our strength in seeking justice,” MIPC President Editha Caduaya said.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists came into being when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2013 declaring November 2 to mark this important day.
“Let us not forget the still unsolved Maguindanao Massacre, the Dennis Denora case and others who died in Mindanao.”
The statement added “In the era of fake news, let us re-affirm our commitment to stay truthful, balanced and fearless. Let not political correctness hamper our commitment to press freedom and democracy,” she added.
The MIPC has encouraged the public to remember Filipino journalists killed in the line of duty, and “to strengthen our ranks against the threat we are facing,” as it also re-affirmed commitment to fair and balanced reportage.
“The recently concluded Mindanao Media Safety and Security Summit, was a proof that when we can collaborate and unite–We are a force to reckon with, thus we should continue to stand together for truth.
Once again, we express solidarity to the call to end impunity not only against members of the media, but also human rights workers, advocates of social causes, and on helpless civilians. Let this day be a symbolic of our collective struggle against the forces who wish to extinguish democracy by silencing the voices that promote it. No to media killings! Yes to press freedom!”
The journalists from in Mindanao’s key cities joined their colleagues all over the world in it’s quest to end impunity.
At 5:30 in the afternoon, journalists held the simultaneous candle-lighting key cities such as Panabo, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Tacurong and Kidapawan. – NewsLine
