Journalists unite!
The killing of DYVR-RMN Capiz Anchorman Martin Roxas endangers the institution of media of losing credible and objective journalists – who are willing to sacrifice their selves so as to uphold press freedom.
Recent record shows that our country is second to Iraq as the most dangerous place for journalists. Many of our comrades face death and death threats and political harassments.
Martin Roxas' killing is the fourth case in this year, 59 cases since 2001 and 95 cases since 1986. His untimely death is a classic example of harassments committed by someone in power to stop the journalist from disclosing and making public corrupt and anomalous transactions in the government.
With these, journalists need to unite and organize to protect themselves from antagonistic attacks from those people who would like to trample press freedom and privileged communication.
We journalists should not forget the lesson we can learn from "walis ting-ting", just like the "walis ting-ting" we stand united, we fall divided. By organizing ourselves we unite in addressing the plight and in pushing the struggle of our sector, while we empower our selves and protect the very reason of our existence – the upholding of a balanced and objective reporting.
We call on all journalists in this very historic day, we should decide to carry the cudgels of press freedom in the presence of our late comrade Ka Martin Roxas, who was once one of us in the struggle to uphold press freedom. Let us take Ka Martin as a symbol of our continuing and unwavering struggle towards genuine press freedom in this country.
Let us not forget that nothing is permanent in this world, except the continuing process of change.
Today, we will take the first step towards change. Mabuhay kamu kag padayon nga itib-ong ang isa ka hilway nga pagsulat kag pagwaragwag!