BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
Arnold Amber
The Newspaper Guild
President
 
Mori Abdolalian
CJFE Journalists in Exile
 
Alison Armstrong
Journalist/writer
 
Bob Carty
CBC-Radio "The Sunday Edition"
 
Havoc Franklin
CBC Radio
 
Peter Jacobsen
Bersenas Jacobsen Chouest Thomson Blackburn LLP
 
Alice Klein
Now Magazine
 
Donald Livingstone
Promeus
 
Anita Mielewczyk
Journalist/Law Student
 
John Norris
Criminal Law Lawyer
 
Mary Deanne Shears
Journalist

Kelly Toughill
King's College School of Journalism
 
Anna Maria Tremonti
CBC Radio "The Current"
 
Philip Tunley
Lawyer, Stockwoods LLP
 

Media Release

CJFE Horrified by Today's Massacre in the Philippines

(Toronto, November 23, 2009) CJFE is horrified by the murders of more than a dozen journalists in the Philippines on November 23.

In all, at least 36 people were abducted and killed by gunmen in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines.

Military officials said the dead included Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, wife of Ishmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, who was travelling in a convoy to file the nomination of her husband to contest the governorship of Maguindanao province against Datu Andal Ampatuan.

The International News Safety Institute has reported that the convoy was ambushed by about 100 armed men, some reportedly in police uniform, who took everyone to a remote location where the killings took place. According to some reports most were shot, but some were run over by vehicles, and some were beheaded. Many of the dead were women.

Reports of those dead or suspected killed have included these journalists: Ian Toblan, Leah Dalmacio, Gina dela Cruz, Joy Duhay, Andy Teodoro, Mac-Mac Areola, Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo Koronadal, Henry Araneta of dzRH Cotabato, Bong Reblando of Manila Bulletin and Neneng Montano of local radio dxCP.

"In my long association with the profession of journalism, this is the worst day of killing that I can remember," said Arnold Amber, CJFE President. "We join the world community of journalists in mourning this terrible and senseless loss of life."

The Philippines is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Before this tragedy, six journalists had been killed so far this year. It is suspected that they were killed because of their profession.

CJFE demands that the government conduct an immediate investigation to solve this horrific crime and bring those responsible to justice.

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Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is an association of more than 300 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and others who work to promote and defend free expression and press freedom in Canada and abroad. www.cjfe.org

For more information, contact CJFE Manager, Julie Payne at (416) 515-9622 x. 226