Proposal Angers Filipino Journalists

A Filipino journalists group Saturday condemned the military’s proposal to penalize reporters or news organizations who air statements by alleged terrorists, saying it was an assault on press freedom.

The military wants a law that would penalize “media stations that tolerate or allow known terrorists or terrorist organizations to use their facilities to air anti-people, anti-state sentiments and incite the people to rebel against their government,” Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said Friday.

The military has not yet suggested punishments, but feels they should be “stiff,” Adan said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines issued a statement condemning Adan’s idea.

“His proposal is pure and simple censorship and an imposition of prior restraint on the press,” the group said, adding that it would lead to banning journalists from conflict areas and would let just a few people dictate what the public should know. “It is not for the [armed forces] or any other government agency to curtail a right granted by the constitution on the basis of its oftentimes flawed logic.”

Journalists have relatively easy access to Muslim and communist rebel groups in the Philippines. Communist Party spokesman Gregorio Rosal routinely calls to announce rebel plans or is sought by radio and TV stations for comments on current events.

Last month, Abu Sulaiman -- spokesman for the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf -- called a radio station claiming responsibility for three Feb. 14 bombings that killed eight people and wounded more than 100 others in Manila and two southern cities.

“Giving access to Abu Sulaiman’s claim of responsibility for the Valentine’s Day blasts was not a crime. Exploding bombs is a crime. Airing a claim of responsibility, on the other hand, served the public’s interest to know of details behind the event,” the journalists’ statement said.