September 28, 2004

His Excellency, Francisco L. Benedicto, Ambassador
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
130 Albert Street, Suite 606
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4

Excellency,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE has been extremely concerned that the murder of award-winning journalist Edgar Damalerio on May 13, 2002, was for so long unsolved and unpunished. Consequently, we are hopeful that the arrest of Guillermo Wapille on September 13, 2004, will finally lead to the closure of this tragic case.

Although two witnesses immediately recognized Wapille, a local police officer and a man with a notorious criminal record, as the murderer, the suspect was immediately released after questioning. In the two years since then, a potential witness has been killed and others have received death threats.

It was not until January 21, 2003, that Wapille was dismissed from public service. A week later, the suspected killer was finally arrested but escaped shortly after, causing the victim's widow to go into hiding for more than a year. He finally surrendered to the Philippine National Police on September 13, 2004.

The murder of Edgar Damalerio has come to symbolize the culture of impunity in the Philippines, a country where an appalling 48 journalists have been killed since 1986. Not one of their killers has yet been brought to justice.

CJFE urges the government of the Philippines to prosecute Guillermo Wapille to the fullest extent of the law and ensure that justice is done in the murder case. This important trial must send a message that there will be no more impunity for the killers of journalists in the Philippines. CJFE will be watching the trial closely.

I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.

Yours truly,

Arnold Amber
President

Case file number: PL-O425

C.C.: Mr. Peter Sutherland, Ambassador, the Canadian Embassy to the Republic of the Philippines
The Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs