DAVAO CITY, Philippines —The international watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Aquino administration to declare as “national catastrophe” the killings of journalists, which “threaten civil liberties.”
Carlos Conde, Philippine researcher for Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, issued the call on Thursday as he asked Malacañang to take serious action against journalist killings.
Conde said recent events proved that the killings have become “no less than a war against the media.”
“In just the past two weeks, the body count in this war has surged: three dead journalists and one wounded in attacks perpetrated by unidentified gunmen,” Conde said.
Related stories
Bukidnon radio broadcaster shot dead
Palace official condemns killing of broadcaster in Bukidnon
Palace assailed over comment on journalist killings
Killing of journalists continuing
Maguindanao massacre worst-ever for journalists
US urges Philippines to prosecute killers of journalists