By ARTHUR L. ALLAD-IW
www.nordis.net

The Maguindanao massacre which happened two years ago on November 23, 2009 was remembered by members of the Fourth Estate and their supporters in Baguio City. This year’s commemoration was declared as the international day to end impunity.

The city commemoration was historical for media practitioners as we were able to march, with torch, from the Convention Center down Session Road to the Igorot Park. A march by journalists is a rare act which could have been done only during the dark years of Martial Law. As we had been commemorating the activities in the past by candle lighting ceremonies, this year’s commemoration brought a strong message to end impunity as we are not only warmed by the torches but more by the presence of our colleagues. Convinced that Fourth Estate is under attack, we joined in the collective expression that the impunity must end now!

The march served as the peak of the campaign commemorating the Maguindanao massacre known worldwide as the worst single atrocity against press freedom, the killing of journalists – where 32 of the 58 victims were media workers. A week ago, a forum was held in one of the institutions here where updates on the Maguindanao massacre was substantially discussed, including the updates on the cases filed against the charged perpetrators. The forum unmasked the kind of justice we have in the Philippines and its turtle-paced processes.

As the worst single killing of journalists worldwide, the Maguindanao massacre served to convince that extra judicial killings in the Philippine is done with impunity. It happened prior to the massacre and it continues to happen even after.

Killings of journalists after the restoration of democracy in 1986 had been shared by the Ilocos and Cordillera regions. The Baguio – Benguet chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines had documented journalist victims of impunity.

We remember Rey Pedronio who was gunned down in 1999 by members of the paramilitary Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army. Two of the perpetrators were convicted and are now in the National Bilibid Penitentiary but the masterminds remain unknown.

On our lists after that were: Roger Mariano, an announcer of the DzJC, was ambushed in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte on July, 31, 2004; Stephen Omaois, a reporter of the Guru Press, was brutally killed by an alleged group of youth in Tabuk, Kalinga on November 26, 2004; Rogelio Villafuerte, a technician of DzEQ in Baguio City was shot to death by an alleged policeman on January 26, 2005; Romy Sanchez, a radio announcer in La Union and the Desk head of Northern Dispatch in the Ilocos region was killed in broad day light in Baguio City on March 9, 2005; Andres Acosta, an announcer of DzJC, was attacked by a knife-wielding man in Ilocos on December 21, 2006; and Lito Agustin of dzJC who was shot by gunmen ‘riding in tandem’ on motorcycle in Laoag City on June 16, 2010.

Even during the time of Pres. Noynoy Aquino, the killings of journalists continued despite his promise. On our lists were Jose Daguio, a retired media practitioner of Tabuk, Kalinga, who was killed on July 3, 2010 and Cirilo Gallardo of dwWM of Abra who was killed on January 31, 2011.

What is common among the cases was the authorities’ consideration that a case is solved when they have only identified the gunman. And most of those perpetrators roam freely.

Another, these journalists killed were the bread winners of their families. Their deaths had not only orphaned their children and widowed their wives but most they left their families struggling to cope up with the present economic crises. They continue to cry for justice.

For journalists, the killing of a fellow media practitioner is not only a violation of that precious right to life but also a violation of the public’s right to know (or to be informed), which is a direct threat to democracy. We join the families of these journalists killed in the country in their call for justice. We urge the government to act swiftly and end the impunity. # nordis.net

By KATHLEEN T. OKUBO
www.nordis.net

Last Wednesday, the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, the more courageous members of the Baguio media joined journalists, media practitioners, human rights defenders and activists in a worldwide rally on the first international day against Impunity. They added their voice against the culture of impunity and the demand for justice for the victims and their families, and for the greater Filipino people.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) of which NUJP is a member, said in a letter to embassies, “…the culture of impunity is the single biggest factor at the root of violence targeting media.”

“The overwhelming majority of victims are local and national journalists who are denied both the protection and justice by their own governments. Today, we are honoring their memory but also making a determined statement of intent to make the end of impunity the lasting legacy of their sacrifice.”

“Such crimes carry no risk of serious investigations and prosecutions, exposing in many cases the absence of the rule of law, whether due to police corruption, judicial incompetence or political indifference,” said the IFJ letter.

IFJ reports say, that on October 14, 2011, the seventh media worker was murdered under the current administration of President Benigno Aquino III, and the 148th since the end of military rule in 1986, and three of the seven are from northern Luzon.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said, “November 23, 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the single deadliest day for journalists in recent history when 58 people were killed, 33 of whom journalists, in Maguindanao, Southern Philippines. The victims were on a convoy with Esmael Mangudadato’s party going to file his certificate of candidacy for governor, challenging the incumbent Andal Ampatuan Sr. for the position.”

The month of November also marks the 7th anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita massacre in Tarlac, Northern Philippines, which left at least seven farmers dead, and 121 injured, 32 of whom suffered gunshot wounds. The victims were sugar plantation workers who were then on strike to demand the reinstatement of some 327 union members fired by the management of the hacienda and the sugar mill. The government responded with violence – 700 policemen, 17 truckloads of soldiers in full battle gear, 2 tanks equipped with heavy weapons, a payloader, 4 fire trucks with water cannons, snipers positioned in at least 5 strategic places, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

These kind of violent actions perpetuated or condoned by the system of the state without respect for the rule of law or for the life of the Filipino must be stopped. Simply recognizing its existence instills fear (or a very chilling effect) on the psyche of anyone but being cowed by this can only work against human rights and the continued disrespect for such rights especially for the more disadvantaged in our society. What a legacy for the next generations.

Many of the local press correspondents and broadcasters must have over indulged in the nectar offered on the media night before that they lost their way to the memorial tree planting activity in the morning and were just no where in the media activity that early evening. Some hungover, for them to miss the local press action. Just the same, watching from the sidelines, I am so grateful and appreciate very much those responsible writers, reporters, media practitioners like Lita Jane, Luchie, Rima, Dexter and Rose, Frank, Gani, Lyn, Laarni, Art’s Easter 11, Junjun, Day, Dhobie, Jermaine, Thom, Mario, Kulot, the UB Politis, Alma, CEGP BB, the Church workers who lead the prayers with hymns, Mabel, TV5 crew, ABS-CBN team, GMA correspondents, Rob, PDI bureau, Aldwin, all three hundred and some who went to plant trees, marched and rallied, got some saleng for torches and to feed the traditional fire for those who have passed, for all who lent warmth and voice to the International Day Against Impunity in Baguio City. Mabuhay!

PS: NUJP Mindanao Media Safety Office just reported, A Bombo Radyo reporter and anchor in Cagayan de Oro was shot and critically wounded by two motorcycle-riding men at about 9:30 pm Thursday night, November 24, 2011, while on his way home after anchoring his evening program. Michael James Licuanan, a reporter and anchor of Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro’s Zona Libre commentary program, sustained one gunshot wound but was able to elude the gunmen and seek help. He was near the Cogon Market, a kilometer away from the radio station. Let us pray he recovers well. # nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

No family gets rich from earning the minimum wage. In fact, the current minimum wage does not even lift a family out of poverty. — Jon Corzine

Last November 20, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) chief Rosalinda Baldoz denied the the workers demand for an addition to their minimum wage. According to Baldoz, they already ordered an increase to the cost of living allowance (COLA) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and smaller amounts to the workers in the provinces.

The lady also said that it is not the right time to give a raise. Her opinion was brutal like pouring vinegar, salt or calamansi juice on an open wound.

And when did the business owners, the mall owners, the greedy oil capitalists say that it is not time to make a price hike because the poor people, like the low wage workers can not bear it?

Months passed since the government thought of approving a pegged increase on the COLA of the workers, the standard or actual cost of living has already reached P998 in NCR for a family of six. Here in the Cordillera, cost of living is also already reaching P900 a day. And the minimum wage is only P257 a day, that means the worker is short by more than 600 a day.

The purchasing power of the peso is no match to the regular shooting up of prices of goods and other commodities as well as priced government services. Time will come that a hundred peso is only good for buying one pack of noodles and a half kilo rice. More and more Filipinos can no longer afford to eat at least two times a day. If hunger can kill a person immediately, instead of having to first suffer the lingering pain from hunger or that feeling of hopelessly gasping for air to slowly die with eyes wide open.

Maybe if the people in these agencies created by the taxes of the Filipinos and mandated to serve the interests of the people, do what they are supposed to do instead of serving the greedy interests of capital, then maybe life will be easier. When the people who gave their trust to the man who railroads his own so-called straight path realize that they made a big mistake and join the rest of the people to change the system, then it is a dream come true.

As the rest of the peoples of the world follow the examples of the “occupy” mass actions in different parts of the globe, the number of workers aspiring for a real change grows.

At present, the Filipino workers through their respective labor organizations and associations and other manifestations of unity continue to fight for their democratic rights. Until the day will come that true labor representatives seat at the labor department and say, “it is time to make the life of the people better everyday. # nordis.net

By REV. LUNA DINGAYAN
www.nordis.net

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” — Luke 4:18-19

Last of three parts

[This is an excerpt of a message I delivered at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Centennial Thanksgiving Service, November 12, 2011]

Faith in New Heavens and New Earth

Finally, the YMCA movement goes on in transforming lives and communities because of our faith that history will come to an end, and that God will create new heavens and a new earth (cf. Rev. 21). This is the faith that God will finally sit on God’s Judgment Throne in the fullness of time, and that all of us will give an account of what we have done before God, whether good or bad. This is the faith that our life on earth is too short, and that our present action has something to do with our future destiny.

On that Judgment Day, there is one thing that the Final Judge will say to us, “Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done it unto me” (cf. Mt. 25:40). We live a life of loving concern for the least of our brothers and sisters in our communities, because this is what God would expect us to do with the life God has given us.

When God confronted Cain why he killed his own brother Abel, he answered with a rhetorical question, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” (Gen.4:9). It is in God’s Final Judgment when we come to realize that we are indeed our brothers’ or sisters’ keeper.

Saved by Grace through Faith

And so, these, I believe, are some of the reasons why the YMCA movement goes on in transforming lives and communities. It is because of our faith.

One of the most basic Protestant evangelical affirmations is that we are saved by grace through faith. Our world today is in crisis. And it is my firm conviction that our world could be saved, not by the barrel of a gun, but by grace through faith – the grace of God that passes all human understanding, the kind of faith that can move mountains.

Students of history would remind us that YMCA has been at the forefront of the worldwide ecumenical movement from the very beginning. Dr. John R. Mott of the international YMCA was one of those key leaders in the formation of the World Council of Churches – a worldwide organization of churches promoting unity and cooperation among Christians “that they may be one so that the world may believe.” YMCA must carry on this significant historical legacy in the years to come.

This world is our home. As YMCA, God has called us to participate in God’s mission in this world. Deep within our hearts, we know that we have the same dreams for the world – we all dream that our world will indeed become genuinely peaceful and more humane.

Perhaps, what we only need to do is to open up our hearts and minds to each other, to listen, understand, and respect each other, and work together for a world that is genuinely peaceful, prosperous, and truly free. And may God continue to grant us grace and faith, courage and determination to do this very urgent task. # nordis.net

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