The Philippines still remains as one of the deadliest countries in the world for journalists, according to the 2022 Global Impunity Index of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
In a report released by the New York-based nonprofit organization for press freedom, the country is still the seventh most dangerous country in the world for journalists, trailing conflict-ridden countries like Somalia, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Afghanistan.
The Philippines is also the second country, after Mexico, with the most number of murders of journalists despite democratically elected governments.
According to CPJ, the country currently have at least 14 unsolved cases of murders of journalists, including the deaths of radio commentators Renato Blanco and Percival Mabasa within the first two months of President Marcos’ administration.
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) assured the public that it would continue to investigate and prosecute cases involving work-related killings and harassment of Filipino journalists.
“We understand the importance of good journalism and we will take concrete steps in protecting those that simply want to keep the government and its officials in check. It is a right we must respect and preserve,” said DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano in a message to reporters.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippine, for its part, said despite potential differences with how government agencies like the Philippine National Police classify cases, "the lack of convictions adds to making journalism a dangerous profession in the Philippines."
It said the cases add to the nearly 80% of 263 journalist murders around the world over the past decade that nobody has been held accountable for.
