Journalist, 6 trade union organizers arrested in police raids on human rights day
Human rights and media groups are organizing an online rally at 7PM tonight to demand for Salem, Velasco’s and the unnamed activist’s release.
Media groups rally behind AlterMidya; condemn ‘callous, dangerous, evidence-less red-tagging’
“We strongly condemn the NTF-ELCAC’s callous, dangerous, and evidence-less red-tagging of the Altermidya network,” media organizations including the Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines Department of Journalism, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation, the Foundation for Media Alternatives, MindaNews, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, and the Philippine Press Institute as well as media outfits Rappler and VERA Files said.
NUJP: Stand with AlterMidya, Defend Press Freedom
Make no mistake, this assault on the alternative media is no different from the silencing of ABS-CBN and the continued attacks on Rappler and other critical and independent news organizations that insist on fulfilling our role of watchdog, of holding power to account, of speaking truth to power.
On the incredulous red-tagging of Altermidya Network at the Dec. 1 Senate hearing
We in the Altermidya are not new to attacks on media freedom. We will pursue legal action against this malicious smear campaign on our members. While we exhaust all means to fight back, we shall continue our journalistic responsibility of truth-telling– and with fellow journalists and freedom-loving Filipinos, persist in upholding press freedom and freedom of expression at all costs.
Media outfits file complaints vs state agents over red-tagging, seizure of news magazine
Representatives of Bulatlat, Kodao, Pinoy Weekly and Altermidya file complaints before the Commission on Human Rights, July 30. (Photo by Adrian Puse)
Reporting the people’s demands is not a crime
Local government executives should keep in mind that that the current national emergency does not empower officials to silence dissent and curtail press freedom, both of which are essential to a functional democracy in which elected officials are duty-bound to defend the Constitution.
Joint statement: Stand with ABS-CBN, Defend Free Expression
At a time when millions are standing up and speaking out about the abuses of the Duterte administration, state agents respond with a patently unconstitutional crackdown on the media sector.
We will not be cowed nor silenced
To our readers, fear not. Our allies in the fight for freedom of the press and expression are helping us to bring our website back. In case this battle drags on, don’t despair. Our commitment remains. We will continue to bring you information and critical insights on issues and events in Northern Luzon in other ways.
STATEMENT: Arrest of relief volunteers is also an attack on free expression
The recent spate of red-tagging and brazen use of authority against the alternative media and the people’s growing voice of dissent speak volumes of how the Duterte administration – and its emboldened security forces – are facing the COVID-19 pandemic not only with apparent incompetence, but also under a self-serving, and despotic brand of governance.
‘Why is the government picking fights at the UN?’ PH rights defenders ask
“But look at how the government acts so defensively at well-intentioned reports that it reacts so vociferously, violently even, to general recommendations that are not particularly directed at the Philippines. Such defensiveness often betrays guilt,” EcuVoice head Atty. Edre Olalia said.