Tomorrow, August 30, is National Press Freedom Day. It is the first year we are commemorating this day without our colleague, community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma of Paghimutad-Negros.
RJ would have also turned 31 on August 30. We are outraged that justice remains elusive months after being killed by the military in Toboso, Negros Occidental. His birthdate coinciding on the National Press Freedom Day is a painful reminder of the dangerous conditions that Filipino journalists face everyday. Journalists get harassed, red-tagged, imprisoned, or even killed for covering critical stories like those that RJ reported in Negros.
This is also the first year we are commemorating National Press Freedom Day with Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s conviction. Frenchie Mae, our Tacloban-based colleague, was convicted of financing terrorism early this year. Together with church worker Marielle Domequil, Frenchie Mae has been detained for over six years— time that she would have spent reporting on the harsh conditions of marginalized communities in Eastern Visayas.
On this National Press Freedom Day, Altermidya Network demands for an end to attacks against journalists. We strengthen the call for justice for RJ Ledesma and all slain journalists. We reiterate the call for the release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and all unjustly imprisoned for baseless charges.
RJ and Frenchie Mae were targeted for practicing pro-people journalism that highlights the conditions and aspirations of ordinary Filipinos. In the face of continued attacks against journalists, their commitment to truth-telling is a reminder for all of us to continue practicing journalism that serves communities and sectors whose voices are forced into silence.
Our colleagues were attacked, but we are undeterred. We resist by amplifying stories that those in power refuse to acknowledge.
Justice for RJ Ledesma!
Free Frenchie Mae Cumpio!
Defend Press Freedom!
