Int’l journalism group accuses PNoy of murder through inaction

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during his visit to Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. at the Laguna Technopark, Biñan City, Laguna on Thursday (May 1). (Photo by Lauro Montillano / /Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a Belguim-based international media group, accused the Aquino administration for being “guilty” of murder due to inaction against media killings in the country.

“The Aquino administration’s continued failure to protect the journalists of the Philippines has perpetuated an environment where journalists are murdered in their homes, on the street and in public. The horrific depth of impunity in the Philippines means that attackers do not even bother to shield their identities when they are carrying out these horrific assassinations,” said IFJ Asia Pacific acting director Jane Worthington.

The supposed “verdict” is also in relation to the recent ambush of Digos City broadcaster, Samuel Oliverio, who was killed last week.

Oliverio, according to his colleagues, “was known for his scathing commentaries on local politics and that he used to deliver strong views on his program against the proliferation of illegal gambling and illegal drugs in the city.”

IFJ then urged the government to step-up and take the “much-needed decisive action” and “curb the disturbing number of attacks directed to the broadcast media.”