Davao City — September 16, 2024 — A coalition of journalists from various media outlets has issued a strong collective statement affirming their commitment to truthful reporting amidst recent harassment and intimidation during the 16-day standoff involving the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and law enforcement in Davao City.
The standoff, which took place from August 24 to September 8, 2024, saw media professionals facing significant challenges as disinformation, half-truths, and outright lies rapidly spread across social media. According to the statement, journalists covering the event encountered verbal abuse, threats, and attempts at coercion from KOJC members who sought to control the narrative by pressuring media to align with their version of events.
The journalists recounted how they were bullied and manipulated by various parties involved in the conflict, leading them to document instances of harassment and file official reports with the police. Despite these obstacles, the media professionals remain steadfast in their dedication to delivering accurate, timely, and relevant information to the public.
“We want to send these people a message: It is not our role to carry your propaganda line or push your own agenda,” the statement declares. “Our role is to deliver information that allows citizens to engage meaningfully in democracy.”
The collective statement emphasizes the importance of journalistic verification and integrity, asserting that the media’s primary obligation is to the truth and its loyalty is to the citizens. The journalists reject attempts by interest groups to manipulate the media narrative through harassment and threats, underscoring their commitment to factual reporting.
The statement also criticizes Councilor Bonz Militar, Chair of the Committee on Information and Technology, for allegedly misdirecting his criticism regarding the sources of disinformation. It calls for the City Council to support an environment where journalists can operate free from intimidation and harassment, thereby ensuring the integrity of the information provided to the public.
“Crafting a safe and supportive space for journalists to report freely and accurately is critical to ensuring the integrity of the information that reaches the public,” the statement reads. The journalists assert that their adherence to journalism’s core principles and ethics, even under challenging conditions, highlights their commitment to the truth.
The group urges all parties to be transparent with the facts and respect media independence, while also calling on their colleagues in the media to unite in confronting disinformation and defending the integrity of the press.
“As Kovach and Rosentstiel say, our first obligation as journalists is to the Truth and our first loyalty is to the Citizens,” the statement concludes. “An unchained press is the bedrock of a peaceful and robust Davao City.”
The statement is endorsed by prominent journalists and media organizations, including Carolyn O. Arguillas of MindaNews, Amalia B. Cabusao of Mindanao Times, Cristina E. Alivio of SunStar Davao, and several others representing major news outlets and media councils.
