‘Shrinking space for free press’ alarms NY-based group

MANILA, Philippines — A New York-based media advocacy group said it was alarmed at the “oppressive” working environment for Filipino journalists and the “shrinking space for free press” under the Duterte administration.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) cited the 11 court cases filed against Rappler, the President’s threat not to renew the license of ABS-CBN and his verbal attacks against individual journalists.

The group has sent three members to the Philippines to meet with government officials and journalists.

“The oppressive working environment for journalists in the Philippines is alarming,” Kathleen Carroll, CPJ board chair and mission member, said on Tuesday. —Dona Z. Pazzibugan