spot_img
28.6 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Mediaman’s killing shows govt apathy toward press, say groups

- Advertisement -

Media groups   on Monday   condemned the killing of radio reporter Jose Bernardo in Quezon City last Oct. 31.

The National Press Club of the Philippines, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and Alab ng Mamamahayag (Alam) called on the Aquino administration to “end the impunity”  perpetuated against media practitioners.

Mediamen  said the Bernardo family was left with no option but to cremate his remains because of threats to their lives.  Quezon City police said the killing of Bernardo has something to do with his  work.

“We denounce the killing of Mr. Bernardo as an affront to press freedom and a blatant disregard for  our constitutionally guaranteed right to practice journalism. Regardless of motive, murder or the taking of one’s life through whatever means is a heinous crime. The suspects must be punished. This again shows the incapacity of the Aquino administration to end journalist killing. And its apathy toward the plight of mediamen. Also, may our colleagues remain true to the code of ethics to avoid undue risks in coverage,” said NPC president Joel Sy Egco.

 In a statement, the NUJP said “the brazen manner in which Bernardo, the 30th journalist slain during the watch of President Benigno Aquino III, was gunned down outside a restaurant in Quezon City, underscores the impunity with which media killings and other extrajudicial murders continue to be committed because of government apathy towards human rights and its primary duty, to protect the lives of its citizens.”

- Advertisement -

Supt. Alex de Jesus Alberto, chief of the QCPD Station 5 in Fairview,  said  Bernardo’s death was work-related.

He said they have ruled out the angle of a love triangle even if Bernardo had his first family.

Chief Insp. Rodelio Marcelo, QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief, also shared the same theory of a work-related motive behind Bernardo’s killing.

Bernardo was standing in front of a restaurant in front of North Olympus Subdivision in Barangay Kaligayahan on Oct. 31.

He sustained several gunshot wounds and died at the Bernardino General Hospital, while one of the restaurant’s staff was hit by a stray bullet and was taken to another hospital for treatment.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles