His Excellency Jose S. Brillantes, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Canada
The Philippine Embassy
130 Albert Street, Suite 606
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4

October 11, 2006

Dear Ambassador Brillantes,

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 welcomes the news on October 6th of the conviction and sentencing of three people in the 2005 murder of investigative reporter Marlene Garcia-Esperat. We are pleased that the Esperat family will know that the murderers of Marlene Garcia are behind bars at last.

We also welcome the reinstatement of murder charges by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales against two other suspects. It is vital that not only the actual killers, but the masterminds behind the murder be brought to justice. Finance officer Osmeña Montañer and accountant Estrella Sabay, officials with the Agriculture Department, are suspected of hiring the gunmen that carried out this terrible crime. Esperat had exposed many cases of corruption and embezzlement. Shortly before her murder, she had presented the results of her investigation into a questionable fertilizer purchase by the agriculture department to the ombudsman, who in the Philippines has the power to prosecute corruption cases.

The battle for freedom of expression in the Philippines is far from over; this has been the fourth conviction out of 60 slain journalists since 1986, due to lack of convictions, these cases remain unsolved and the masterminds behind these killings are still free.

We urge the Philippines government to ensure that its full support and resources are given to ensure that the trial of Montañer and Sabay does take place. Furthermore, we ask the government to continue its commitment to ensuring the safety of the witnesses in the case, both before and after the trial. We also urge the government to bring justice for the journalists that suffer persecution because not only do they go through the suffering, their loved are also victims.

I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.

Yours truly,

Arnold Amber
CJFE President