Petition for Bail, Private Armies Hit

Groups under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), in a show of solidarity to journalists, joined the protest Wednesday.

“We are holding this mass action to support the massacre victims in their opposition to the petition for bail of the principal accused. We agree with the prosecution that evidence is strong against Andal, Jr., ” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

Bayan also called on the Arroyo government to dismantle para-military groups such as the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and the Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVO).

Reyes slammed the Arroyo government for not revoking Executive Order 546 despite growing calls for its junking. Signed in July 2004, the order allows the arming of civilians to assist in the counter-insurgency operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Media Harassment Continues

Quijano, one of the editors of Pinoy Weekly, also deplored the continuing harassment against journalists. She cited the assassination attempt against Bacolod City-based journalist and former NUJP chairman Edgar Cadagat four days after the massacre and the refusal of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to allow a camera man of GMA-7 network in Iloilo City from going near President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Iloilo airport on January 12 because he was wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words “Stop killing journalists!”

Before the massacre, 104 Filipino journalists have already been murdered since 1986 with 67 killed since Arroyo came to power in 2001, according to the NUJP.

“The attacks and killings will only stop when the culture of impunity is dismantled and when government can ensure protection and justice for its citizens,” Nestor Burgos Jr., NUJP chairman, said in a statement. “We call on our colleagues and the people not to be cowed, stand firm against these attacks and defend our democratic institutions,” he said. (Bulatlat.com)

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