26 journalists were reportedly murdered in the Philippines earlier this week. The murders brought a swift response from the international journalism community.
In a letter to Philippine President Arroyo, the Overseas Press Club said, in part:
“The members of the Overseas Press Club of America are stunned by the news received today of the massacre of…journalists along with…other people in Mangudadatu Province, Mindanao Island. This is an atrocity which demands the swiftest and fullest action by your government to bring the killers to justice. We are too well aware of the history of violence against journalists in the Philippines. We have urged you numerous times in the past to bring all of your resources to bear on each individual case. But this mass murder deserves something even greater.”
According to the press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the massacre happened a few hours after around 50 gunmen led by Andal Ampatuan Jr., the mayor of Shariff Aguak (a municipality in Maguindanao province). A police inspector identified solely by the name of Dicay has also been implicated. According to RSF, the men kidnapped members of a large convoy of supporters of Esmael Mangudadatu, an Ampatuan clan opponent who wants to run for governor.
“We have often condemned the culture of impunity and violence in the Philippines, especially Mindanao,” said RSF in a statement. “This time, the frenzied violence of thugs working for corrupt politicians has resulted in an incomprehensible bloodbath. We call for a strong reaction from the local and national authorities.”
There were initially virtually no reports in the Philippine press about the attacks.