STATEMENT OF CONCERN OF FILIPINO-CANADIANS ON THE KILLING OF JOURNALISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

STATEMENT OF CONCERN OF FILIPINO-CANADIANS ON THE KILLING OF JOURNALISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

“We are concerned about the killings of journalists in the Philippines.

“We demand that the government of the Philippines investigate and prosecute those responsible for these killings.

“We expect concrete results of this investigation and prosecution with the actual conviction of those guilty of these crimes within a reasonable time period.”

Drafted and initially signed by members of the Filipino-Canadian media; mainstream Canadian media; leaders and members the Filipino-Canadian community, on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at the forum, “How Free is the Philippine Press,” with visiting book  author, journalist and women’s rights activist, Ninotchka Rosca, held at Filipino Center -Toronto (FCT), Toronto, Canada.

SIGNED:
Edwin Mercurio, Bulatlat
Bert de Lara, The Philippine Reporter
Lino Reyes, Order of the Knights of Rizal
Rosalinda Tijam, Balita
Jojo Taduran, journalist
Hermie Garcia and Mila Astorga-Garcia, The Philippine Reporter
Julie Nanquil, Community Alliance for Social Justice
Virgie Tigas, Community Alliance for Social Justice
Ricky Esguerra, Philippine Solidarity Group
Mithi Esguerra, Community Alliance for Social Justice
Ruben and Tess Cusipag, Balita
Romy and Tess Zetazate
Mogi and Marlene Mogado
Ace and Gie Alvarez
Willie Nabus
Lurvie DeBlois
Melissa Brizuela
Perry E. Sorio
N Mejia
Mike S.
Mon Datol
Greg Duffell
Adrian Harewood
Erlinda Zabella
Belle Tumbokon

(Note:  The statement is being circulated in the community for signatures, and will be submitted to the Philippine government soon.)