The International News Safety Institute on Monday expressed horror over the massacre of at least 36 people, including more than 12 journalists, in the Philippines. It was the blackest day in the history of journalism in the Philippines, already one of the deadliest nations on earth for the news media.
Gunmen abducted and killed the group of people in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines on Monday, apparently to prevent a woman filing her husband’s nomination to run for provincial governor in elections next year, according to the military. Some of the victims were beheaded and bodies mutilated, local officials said.
“This is a horrific event for all in the world news community, but it goes beyond an attack on journalism and press freedom — it is an appalling assault on democracy itself,” said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. “INSI sends its heartfelt condolences to friends and colleagues in the Philippines news community and to the families of all the other victims.”
Reuters reported the dead included Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, who was on the way to file the nomination of her husband to contest the governorship of Maguindanao province against Datu Andal Ampatuan, the head of a powerful local family. She was accompanied by several members of her family and local journalists. The convoy was ambushed at about 10.30 AM. by about 100 armed men, some reportedly in police uniform, who took everyone off to a remote location where the killings took place. According to some reports most were shot, but some were run over by vehicles.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the victims included at least 12 journalists covering the political development.
According to a global survey of news media casualties carried out by INSI between 1996 and 2008, the Philippines ranked 4th worst in the world with 76 dead, after Iraq, Russia and Colombia.
At least four journalists had been killed this year alone, before today’s mass murder.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo condemned the latest violence and ordered the police to hunt down the killers.
INSI is a non-governmental organisation devoted to the safety of journalists and other news media in dangerous situations around the world.
Any questions on this news release should be address to Rodney Pinder, email rodney.pinder@newssafety.org or tel: +44 7734 709267