NUJP Cagayan de Oro

Treat sources with respect, transparency, and professionalism

When on the field, journalists must treat sources with respect, transparency and professionalism.

In the case of the Cebu City teacher facing accusations of physical assault, a media practitioner went viral for chasing said teacher for a comment and publishing the video. In the same video, the teacher threatened to destroy the media practitioner's smartphone.

The Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists advises media practitioners interviewing private citizens to seek permission first and let sources know the purpose of the interview. In scenarios when these private citizens are suspects of a crime, it is a must to not pressure or force crime suspects to admit wrongdoing.

The same guide also recommends journalists to not record or film a news source without their knowledge—to always ask for permission first. While journalists must indeed “chase the story,” we must at all times practice the “do-no-harm” principle.

The NUJP Cebu calls on media practitioners to respect the safety and privacy of interview sources and to refrain from endangering themselves in similar encounters in the aforementioned case.

“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines joins Manila Today in its call to end red-tagging, especially against community journalists. The recent attack serves to underscore the pattern of attacks against community journalists that have continued under the current administration.”

Alert | Manila Today news editor threatened and harassed at protest

An unidentified man confronted and harassed Manila Today news editor Roy Barbosa on September 3 while he was covering a protest in Malolos, Bulacan.

The protest action was held along with the filing of a motion to dismiss labor activists Ed Cubelo and Rodrigo Esparago and 26 others, who are facing anti-terrorism charges at the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 12.

According to a report on alternative news site Manila Today, the man did not provide any identification, claiming only to be a “private citizen” and a “vlogger” not based in the area.

When NUJP-NCR asked via phone if the man identified the page, channel or entity that he was blogging for, Barbosa said he did not specify any.

The man also demanded that Barbosa delete his live video report and threatened legal action if Barbosa did not comply.

Barbosa said that lawyer Josa Deinla from the National Union of People’s Lawyers NUPL mediated the confrontation.

The individual insisted on the removal of the video, while Barbosa argued doing so would be self-censorship and that broadcasting the protest was part of his journalistic duty.

The individual repeatedly yelled at, spat on, and even shamed Barbosa’s gender identity while following him and his colleagues as they left the confrontation.

“Naninigaw siya at nanduduro, sabi niya ‘Itong bakla ‘to’,” Barbosa shared via phone.
(He was shouting and using slurs)

The supposed vlogger also claimed to call the local chief of police while continuing to follow Barbosa.

When Barbosa safely reached his vehicle, the activists who held the protest action were intercepted by a police mobile and five police personnel, and by the supposed “vlogger.”

Barbosa later received an anonymous message on Facebook that addressed him by his full name and added:

“Di ka na nagtanda. Mga salot kayong NPA”
(You have not changed. You NPAs are a nuisance)

Barbosa, who is a journalist and who is not a member of the New People’s Army, has faced intimidation and harassment before, especially when reporting on the cases of Cubelo and Esparago.

On July 11, Barbosa received a message from an unknown user via Facebook, stating not to support the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and the labor activists. Barbosa was also threatened with a legal case.

“Hoy tumigil na kayong sumusuporta sa teroristang grupo CPP-NPA at rekruter nyong si Rodrego Esparago at Ed Cubelo. Hintayin nyo lang den ang kasu sainyo mga salot lahat kayo mauubos din,” the message said in all caps.
(Stop supporting the CPP-NPA terrorist group and the recruiters Rodrego Esparago and Ed Cubelo. Just wait for the cases against you. You are all pests and we will go after all of you)

“As a media practitioner, it is within my responsibility to report on the cases targeted against activists who forward their own causes. For certain state forces and individuals to extend this rampant red-tagging, harassment, and intimidation, especially towards alternative media journalists like me while I am on coverage, further implicates a threat to safety and security, both online and offline,” said Barbosa in his September 3 incident report.

Manila Today condemned the attack on the same day:

“The message is clear: every time the media attempts to report on justice and hold those accountable for the many injustices happening in our country such as union busting, illegal demolitions, forced disappearances, illegal detentions, and arrests of activists and other progressive individuals, journalists are harassed and intimidated.”

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines joins Manila Today in its call to end red-tagging, especially against community journalists.

The recent attack serves to underscore the pattern of attacks against community journalists that have continued under the current administration.

As Manila Today has said, if the administration genuinely advocates for and safeguards press freedom, actions more than proclamations should be taken to curb the baseless and detrimental red-tagging against journalists.

Reference:
NUJP Safety Office | +639602784263

“We call on all media and press freedom organizations to unite in defending the rights of journalists who risk their safety to keep the public informed.”

“The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines calls on all parties involved in the tension between the Philippine National Police and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to let the media simply do their job.”

Statement | Let the media do their job

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines calls on all parties involved in the tension between the Philippine National Police and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to let media simply do their job.

We also remind all sides that the media is not a party to these proceedings and are simply there for coverage.

That means that media should not be made to be government witnesses in exchange for being allowed into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound.

Colleagues covering the search operations were correct to decline the PNP’s offer to be allowed to cover the search operation on the condition they would sign a waiver and agree to be police witnesses.

That also means that they should not be subjected to verbal harassment and the threat of physical harm by KOJC followers who disagree with the ongoing operation or with media’s reportage of it and of the pending cases against Quiboloy and his co-accused.

Regardless of their personal positions and emotions, media workers are expected to observe, gather facts and report, and not be cheerleaders for any of the personalities involved.

That also means that media workers on the ground should not be pressured or questioned for not forcing themselves into the compound when, in their assessment, doing so would only add to the tension inside the compound, could compromise ongoing operations and would put their safety and security at risk.

As Davao City’s media workers continue to cover these tense events, we remind their newsrooms to make sure that they have proper safety equipment or, at the very least, proper logistical support as well as the necessary rest.

Allegations of abuse from either side is no excuse to subject media workers to the same.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“Part of the proceeds will go to the Nonoy Espina Emergency Fund for Media Workers.”

👕 NUJP Metro Manila's Shirt Sale is back!

Shirts will be available before August 30, which is the National Press Freedom Day!

Pre-order now by scanning the QR code or through this link: bit.ly/nujpdefendshirt

Part of the proceeds will go to the Nonoy Espina Emergency Fund for Media Workers.

“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines congratulates Rappler in its win at the Court of Appeals and the restoration of its certificate of operation.“

Statement | The Line Held

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines congratulates Rappler in its win at the Court of Appeals and the restoration of its certificate of operation.

The CA's finding that the Securities and Exchange Commission commited grave abuse of discretion is a rebuke of the Duterte administration's weaponization of the law against criticism, dissent, and transparency.

It is also vindication for the Rapplers who continued to report and hold the line through the years.

We are proud to have stood with you.

May the justice achieved on this day signal better days ahead for other media workers also facing legal challenges related to their work.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“Guided by the NUJP’s Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists, the NUJP advises against any reporting on sensitive family matters that is repetitive, sensationalist and exploitative of the struggles endured by our athletes, including the greatest Olympian the Philippines has produced to date.”

Statement | A call for caution in covering private family matters

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines cautions news organizations against reporting on private matters concerning the Filipino athletes who competed or are competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and their families and loved ones.

The inordinate media attention on the conflict within gymnast Carlos Yulo’s family serves no useful purpose for the public and has only detracted from the honor and glory he has brought our nation by winning two gold medals in Paris, along with boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio who have each won bronze.

As University of the Philippines journalism professor Danilo Arao told NewsWatch Plus, the reporting on the Yulos’ affairs is a “disservice to journalism because it does not help in the shaping of public opinion.”

“It only promotes voyeurism and trivialization of what should be a historic achievement in the 2024 Paris Olympics,” Arao said.

Guided by the NUJP’s Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists, the NUJP advises against any reporting on sensitive family matters that is repetitive, sensationalist and exploitative of the struggles endured by our athletes, including the greatest Olympian the Philippines has produced to date.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“NUJP stands with fellow journalist Satur Ocampo, Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro, and the rest of the Talaingod 13 in their wrongful conviction on child abuse for conducting a rescue mission in 2018 for Lumad teachers and students who reported harassment by security forces and the Alamara paramilitary group in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.”

Statement | Solidarity with the Talaingod 13

NUJP stands with fellow journalist Satur Ocampo, Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro, and the rest of the Talaingod 13 in their wrongful conviction on child abuse for conducting a rescue mission in 2018 for Lumad teachers and students who reported harassment by security forces and the Alamara paramilitary group in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

The charges and conviction illustrate a trend in the weaponization of the law that we have seen used against activists and rights defenders, including journalists.

According to news reports from 2018, the humanitarian crisis in Talaingod stemmed from the forced closure of Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning School that happened alongside counter-insurgency operations in the area.

It boggles the mind that an attempt to bring teachers and students out of a militarized area is seen as putting them in harm’s way when the threat is from the operations in the area that they were escaping from in the first place.

Ka Satur is a respected journalist who fought the Marcos dictatorship. It is ironic that after five decades, he is still being persecuted for standing in solidarity with the Lumad.

We hope for their eventual acquittal — as we have seen happen in many cases filed in the context of the counter-insurgency operations during the Duterte administration and that have continued during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — and will continue to monitor developments in the case as it goes to appeal.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“We condemn the wrongful labeling of these respondents as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) when they are known in their communities as journalists. The other respondents are employees of local government units. Such labeling is a common tactic used to discredit and endanger individuals.”

Statement | NUJP condemns unwarranted murder complaints vs Journalists and local officials in Masbate

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expresses grave concern over the murder complaints filed in Masbate City against media workers Ramesis Sison, Jay Legazpi Alfaro, and Benjamin Gigante of the Masbate Quad Media Society (MQMS), Inc., as well as LGU-Cawayan Information Officer Fel Monares and Pio V. Corpus, Information Officer. These complaints were forwarded to court without a preliminary investigation, depriving the respondents of due process.

It is troubling that complaints are often sent directly to court without preliminary investigation, which we have observed frequently in harassment suits against media workers. In some cases, respondents are unaware of complaints until arrest warrants are issued.

We condemn the wrongful labeling of these respondents as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) when they are known in their communities as journalists. The other respondents are employees of local government units. Such labeling is a common tactic used to discredit and endanger individuals.

We are also concerned that these cases may be a retaliatory response to graft complaints filed by the respondents against the provincial government. The appropriate way for officials to address corruption allegations is by confronting them directly and enhancing public access to government information, rather than targeting journalists with legal actions.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

"Difficult Situation" is how the Reporters sans frontières / Reporters Without Borders / RSF describes the Philippine freedom of the press situation in 2024.

26 July 2024
NUJP Albay Chapter

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿

The NUJP Albay condemns the political harassment of three reporters in Masbate after their media group Masbate Quad Media Society, Inc. filed plunder cases against Governor Antonio Kho on March 25.

Ramesis Sison, Jay Legazpi Alfaro and Ben Gigante, along with two municipal information officers Fel Monares and Peter Corpus from the towns of Cawayan and Pio V. Corpus, respectively, were placed under arrest by a Regional Trial Court without a preliminary investigation for a murder complaint.

But after the three victims urgently filed on July 24 a motion to recall the arrest warrant, the RTC Branch 49 in Cataingan, Masbate recalled the order it issued on July 12.

On July 25, acting Judge Teofilo Tambago granted the motion and revoked the arrest order due to baseless claims. In a joint affidavit, former rebels Karl Masarque and Semion Rabadon linked the victims to the 2022 murder of farmer Virgil Arriesgado by using their names as the suspects’ aliases and incorrectly identifying their addresses. The criminal case file further supports that these are unfounded accusations.

Sison, the former chairperson of NUJP Masbate from 2011 to 2013, said in an interview with BicoldotPH that both the false accusation and the absence of a preliminary investigation "put them in danger of being arrested" for a crime they did not commit.

Moreover, the accusations against the three as NPA members are false but are still harmful. State troopers in the 3rd District of Masbate have repeatedly called Fel Monares a rebel when he was a member of the NUJP Masbate. The Union had to secure the commitment of the Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Joel Egco to spare Monares from harassment because it endangered his life.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Safety (PTFoMS), however, claimed that it couldn’t decide on red-tagging incidents. Monares now works for Cawayan LGU.

We reiterate this line from the Union’s earlier statement: “The victims are not members of the NPA. The trumped-up charges against them are meant to harass the media practitioners in the province.”

“The victims are not members of the New People’s Army. The trumped-up charges against them are meant to harass the media practitioners in the province.”

Alert | Murder complaints filed against three reporters, two municipal info officers in Masbate City

Three (3) Masbate City reporters and two (2) municipal information officers are charged with murder over the killing of a certain Virgil Arriesgado on August 12, 2022 in Brgy. Guindawahan, Pio V. Corpus, Masbate.

The RTC 5th Judicial Region, Branch 49, Cataingan, Masbate issued an arrest warrant against the five
on July 12

The complaint was brought to court without preliminary investigation.

In the resolution signed by Provincial Prosecutor Jeremias Mapula on July 2 this year, Ramesis Sison, Jay Legazpi Alfaro and Benjamin Gigante of Masbate Quad Media Society (MQMS), Inc.; LGU-Cawayan Information Officer Fel Monares; and Information Officer Peter Corpus of Pio V. Corpus municipality were tagged as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Sison was NUJP Masbate chairperson from 2011 – 2013 while Corpus is a freelance reporter who runs the Chronicle News and Public Affairs in Masbate City.

Monares, on the other hand, also serves as station manager of Radyo Kahamugaway DWNZ 106.5 FM.

The charges were filed after the victims' media group MQMS filed 11 cases of plunder and malversation, among others, against Masbate Governor Antonio Kho, and his men on March 25.

Three other cases of plunder were filed this July against individuals involved in alleged corruption in local projects in Masbate province.

The victims are not members of the NPA. The trumped-up charges against them are meant to harass the media practitioners in the province.

On July 24, three of the five victims filed an urgent motion to recall the warrant of arrest with prayer for preliminary re-investigation.

The following day, July 25, Acting Judge Teofilo Tambago granted the motion, and recalled the warrant. #

“We call on other media and press freedom organizations to stand with Hong Kong’s journalists when their newsrooms and employers cannot or will not. Journalists must rely on each other for support. We stand in solidarity!”

ON THE CLOSURE OF THE BAGUIO MIDLAND COURIER

The Baguio Midland Courier (BMC) folds its last copy today, July 21, 2024.

It is a sad day for community journalism. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet chapter lauds the BMC’s 77-year legacy and documentation of history in the Cordillera region which remains unparalleled.

History will note that Marital Law in the 1970s failed to shutter the BMC; it also continued printing in the 1990s when the 7.7 earthquake left Baguio in shambles and again throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

We are grateful for the bravery and tenacity the BMC showed, which is reflective of its battle cry: Fair, Fearless, Friendly, and Free.

The NUJP BB recognizes the men and women behind the BMC and acknowledges their contributions, it is not easy to choose to become a journalist in a country that consistently ranks as the most dangerous.

As the BMC bows to the changing media and advertising landscape, it has imparted its final lesson to the industry, may it become a wake-up call to adopt new platforms and venture into unexplored business models.

Together with our colleagues, we hold on to the BMC management's promise that journalists and media workers who have dedicated their lives to its cause will receive their full severance pay and benefits.

This is laudable, and NUJP BB hopes that other terms that uphold the welfare of our fellow media workers are met.

As the BMC writes 30, we call on the community of journalists it has inspired to continue to uphold freedom of expression and the journalist code of ethics, we urge our colleagues to hold tight their pens and continue writing stories that matter.

“We are in solidarity as well with other officers of the association who have reported pressure from employers to stand down, and with other members of the Hong Kong media who have been told by employers to refrain from joining media associations and clubs in the city.”

Statement | Solidarity with Selina Cheng and the Hong Kong Journalists Association

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines is in solidarity with Selina Cheng, who has been fired by the Wall Street Journal for her involvement in and leadership of the Hong Kong Journalists Association.

While the WSJ has pointed to restructuring as the reason for Cheng’s termination, she had been previously told to let go of her duties in the HKJA and to not stand for election for chair because of supposed potential conflict of interest.

We are in solidarity as well with other officers of the association who have reported pressure from employers to stand down, and with other members of the Hong Kong media who have been told by employers to refrain from joining media associations and clubs in the city.

While there can be no press freedom without a press and corporations’ instinct for self-preservation is understandable, media workers are part of the press and have as much — if not a bigger — stake in press freedom as well in the freedom of association to join groups advocating press freedom, especially in places where that freedom and democracy itself is severely challenged.

As Cheng correctly put it: "The right for reporters to work without fear must be protected not just by the law, but more crucially, by ourselves: reporters, editors and publishers."

As an organization with members who have been pressured to lie low, disaffiliate, and to spare their newsrooms from potential trouble, NUJP cannot but have sympathy and solidarity for colleagues in the HKJA and in other press organizations in Hong Kong.

We take heart as well from Cheng’s determination to keep reporting, saying “the advocacy for press freedom is more long lasting than any single job.”

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“We would like to remind our fellow journalists of our responsibility to protect minors from harm and to never objectify women.”

On photo objectifying student athlete

A photojournalist recently posted a photo of a student athlete with a caption that insinuated a certain degree of sexual innuendo.

The post was taken down and NUJP Cebu reached out to the the photojournalist. On Sunday, July 14, he issued an apology on the matter.

We would like to remind our fellow journalists of our responsibility to protect minors from harm and to never objectify women.

We should prioritize respect and dignity. Avoid objectifying language and images, and focus on their achievements, experiences, and perspectives rather than appearance or personal life.

Use gender-neutral language where appropriate and be mindful of stereotypes. Always ensure that coverage promotes equality and challenges discrimination.

With this approach, we not only uphold ethical standards but also contribute to a more inclusive and fair media landscape.

“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines - Cebu Chapter would like to respectfully remind officials that journalists do not “actively seek issues” to write. We appreciate the effort to provide clarity on the matter from the government’s end but it’s the media’s duty to contextualize and report the concerns of stakeholders as well.”

On Palaro media restrictions and reportage of issues

Earlier on July 12, some members of the Cebu Press were invited to cover a coordination meeting with the various committees of Palarong Pambansa. During the meeting, Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia repeatedly called out the media for alleged "unfair reporting" on problems with the water supply at one of the billeting quarters.

“Ang nindot nga balita is also a balita. Ang nindot maoy ibalita,” Garcia said.

In the previous days, fellow reporters were also restricted from entering specific Palaro venues. However, organizers assured that media workers are allowed to cover events at designated safe zones.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines - Cebu Chapter would like to respectfully remind officials that journalists do not “actively seek issues” to write. We appreciate the effort to provide clarity on the matter from the government’s end but it’s the media’s duty to contextualize and report the concerns of stakeholders as well.

It must also be emphasized that trained journalists do not intend to put children in any form of harm or disrupt any Palaro activities.

It is as much our responsibility to ensure their safety and practice the “do-no-harm” principle as it is the responsibility of organizers to ensure that discriminatory practices are discouraged during these events involving the youth.

We call for genuine collaboration between officials and the press.

Reference:
NUJP Cebu
[email protected]

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in partnership with SIKLAB, will hold a forum on July 14, 2024 on the impacts of red-tagging on journalism and civic space.

This event is supported by the Commission on Human Rights under its GoJust Project, and co-funded by the European Union and the Spanish Cooperation.

#IFJBlog: Standing with the Union despite red-tagging / IFJ Despite promises of change under the Marcos Jr government, state forces in the Philippines have continued to target journalists, unionists, and human rights defenders through ‘red-tagging’. Lian Buan, a former National Director with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) spe...

“Noting that sexual harassment is illegal, creates a hostile work environment, hinders journalists’ ability to do their jobs, NUJP has resolved to reactivate its Commission on Women Journalists to oversee implementation of the resolution.”

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Chapter calls on the public to respect the media’s role in covering an issue to deliver the truth.

This is in response to the media coverage during the conduct of a “prayer for justice” movement by the First Labor Organization of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (FLOW) on Friday, June 28, where its members were shouting “bakakon” (liar) as they expressed disapproval of the statement of Fermin Jarales, interim COWD general manager, on the alleged unlawful and forced entry into COWD’s Data Center.

During the protest, some reporters were discourteously told that their reports, based on the Jarales interview, were a lie, despite their efforts to get the side of the concerned employees of the government-run COWD. This can be seen on the Facebook Live of Menzie Montes of iFM Cagayan de Oro, one of the journalists who covered the activity.

The NUJP Cagayan de Oro reminds the public that we are not enemies of the people. We are truth-tellers serving the public interest. We are also willing to sit down with the employees of COWD to ferret out any misunderstanding.

We commend Montes and Anne Jane Duhaylungsod of RMN DXCC Cagayan de Oro for maintaining their professionalism in spite of what happened.

“Like Julian Assange, journalists access and publish information, including classified ones, that matter to their audiences. Such actions should not be criminalized. It is our duty to put a spotlight on abuses, and hold those in power accountable.”

Statement | Julian Assange’s freedom is a victory for press freedom

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) joins press freedom advocates all over the world in welcoming the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange after more than five years in prison.

Assange’s liberty is a partial but important victory for press freedom, and for the people’s right to know. WikiLeaks and the media outfits who worked with, and used the information from WikiLeaks, published stories exposing US war crimes, which include US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the torture of Guantanamo bay prisoners, among others, as well as corruption cases involving powerful politicians in different parts of the world. These leaks are imbued with public interest, and relevant not only to American citizens but also to citizens of other nations.

Like Assange, journalists access and publish information, including classified ones, that matter to their audiences. Such actions should not be criminalized. It is our duty to put a spotlight on abuses, and hold those in power accountable.

Assange’s fight is not yet over as he is compelled to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information in exchange for his freedom. This precondition bodes ill for journalists and other truth-tellers around the world, and calls on us to remain vigilant.

Reference:
National Directorate | +639602784263

“In solidarity with fellow media workers, NUJP emphasizes the importance of the presumption of innocence and the right to due process, especially in high-profile cases like this. Above all, we expect the highest level of fairness in the investigation process.”

Alert | Newspaper staff, exec tagged in cyber attacks

The National Bureau of Investigation on June 21 presented to media three alleged hackers, including an employee of the Manila Bulletin, whom they said were involved in cyber attacks on government and private sector websites.

The suspect from the Manila Bulletin has alleged that the hacking was done on behest of the newspaper’s IT editor and senior technology officer Art Samaniego Jr, who has denied the allegations.

The Manila Bulletin, in a statement, has said it follows the country’s laws and expects its employees to do so as well.

“We expect our employees to be accorded their rights,” it also said.

In solidarity with fellow media workers, NUJP emphasizes the importance of the presumption of innocence and the right to due process, especially in high-profile cases like this.

Above all, we expect the highest level of fairness in the investigation process.

That said, it would be problematic and unethical for journalists to instigate incidents — alleged hacking in this case — to have something to report about.

The Journalists' Code of Ethics reminds us to resort “only to fair and honest methods in [our] effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents.”

There has been commentary within the media community likening this case to undercover reporting, but it is unclear and even unlikely that that is a proper comparison.

While journalists are expected to speak truth to power and to work for social justice, this is best done when respect for the law and for ethical standards is upheld.

Reference:
NUJP Safety Office | +639602784263