The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club Inc. (BCBC), in solidarity with all journalists across the Philippines, issues this statement on the solemn occasion of the November 23rd Massacre commemoration

As we remember the unparalleled tragedy of November 23, 2009, the AMPATUAN massacre, and honor the lives of our colleagues who were brutally silenced as we demand immediate resolution to their cases, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles they died defending: press freedom, truth, and justice.

Upholding the Rights of Media Workers

The BCBC recognizes that true press freedom is impossible when the very practitioners of the craft are themselves vulnerable and unprotected. Therefore, we continue our resolve to tirelessly uphold the economic rights and welfare of all media practitioners and workers. We call for an immediate end to:

Unfair labor practices that compromise job security.

Unjust compensation that fails to reflect the demanding and vital nature of journalistic work.

Unsecured work tenure and precarious employment contracts leave media workers economically vulnerable.

Our colleagues deserve stability, fair compensation, and respectful working conditions commensurate with the crucial role they play in a democratic society.

Protection from Harassment and Intimidation

We also join the resounding call for the absolute protection of all members of the media from the constant threat of harassment, threats, and intimidation.

Journalists must be allowed to perform their duty—delivering the news as fairly and factually as possible and being the voice of the voiceless—without fear of reprisal.

We stand firm: an attack on a journalist is an attack on the public’s right to know. We demand accountability for all acts of violence and intimidation against the press.

We may also call upon our colleagues to always observe professionalism in their performance of their duties, embrace the spirit of true journalism with utmost balance and fairness, and act as a voice for the voiceless instead of being mere parrots of the powerful.

May the memories of the victims fuel our fight for a safer, fairer, and freer environment for every journalist in the Philippines.

Reference:

Dionisio Dennis Jr – President, Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club Inc.