Watchdogs or watchbugs?
What is the role of media practitioners in the society? I could still clearly remember Prof. Amy Tanoy's question during my college days in UP. I always planted it in my mind. Media practitioners are the watchdogs of society. They serve as the eyes, ears and mouth in the community. Barking like dogs when something or someone could harm the interest of the general public. After reading the news about my colleagues being detained after the Manila Pen stand-off I was irritated and bothered. Living away from my country can't stop me from defending the pillar which I used to lean on for the past six years.
Arresting some media practitioners is quiet unclear for me. First the authorities denied that they have detained media practitioners. Clarifying that they just have to gather reporters for investigation after receiving information that some stand-off sympathizers disguised as media practitioners. What is the difference between "detention" and "investigation"? Without looking at any English dictionary anybody could see the connection. Detention according to MSN Encarta dictionary is the state or a period of being detained or a period of temporary custody while awaiting trial. To investigate is to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex, esp. in an attempt to find a motive, cause, or culprits.
Journalists are not watch bugs who are going to sting the president. We are not enemies of the state. We are just performing our duties as watchdogs, risking our lives to bring the complete story to the people. In line with this duty every journalist has the right to exercise the freedom of speech. We use our pens, recorders, cameras, video cameras, tapes and microphone to bring out the truth. Ironically the authorities checked some of the media practitioners' equipment after the stand-off. Suspecting the unsuspicious individuals as sympathizers of the Manila Pen stand-off? Each cop should have a good photographic memory, it's impossible for them not to recognize media practitioners who ask them queries everyday.
We are proud to tell the world that we're living in a democratic country! Ironically press people can't feel press freedom!
I pitied my brothers and sisters in media who have to wait patiently until they are released. I salute your bravery! To all who have suspicious and malicious minds, media practitioners are watchdogs not watch bugs of society.