UCA News
Contribute

Media must tell the truth, says priest

Journalists 'have a duty to report the facts' despite the dangers and temptations
Media must tell the truth, says priest
Monsignor Elmer Abacahin leads a celebration of the Eucharist in Cagayan de Oro
Published: May 24, 2011 08:51 AM GMT
Updated: May 24, 2011 08:52 AM GMT

Journalists must "lift the torch of press freedom and truth" not only as reporters of events but also as harbingers of good news despite threats to their lives. This was the message from Monsignor Elmer Abacahin to media members at the opening of Press Freedom Week in Cagayan de Oro City yesterday. "You have a duty and responsibility to tell the truth no matter what," said the priest who is executive secretary of the Office on Basic Ecclesial Communities of the bishops' conference. Monsignor Abacahin said that while it is ideal for journalists to work in an atmosphere free of threats and challenges, "the truth is much more valuable when it is gleaned from many challenges and hardships." The threat to journalists was underscored hours later after unidentified men failed in a fire-bombing attempt on government-run radio station DZRK-Radyo ng Bayan in Tabuk City. Meanwhile, journalists from Mindanao also marked 18 months since the "Ampatuan massacre" that killed 58 people, including 34 journalists, on November 23, 2009. New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the incident as the "single deadliest event for the press since 1992, when the CPJ began keeping detailed records on journalist deaths." The CPJ earlier expressed concern over reports that a provincial radio announcer, Jun Albino of Magnum Radio in Cagayan de Oro City, received a death threat on May 14. "These sorts of threats must be taken seriously by local police," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. He said research shows threats are often the first step in a deadly sequence of events in the Philippines in which local radio commentators accuse local figures of corruption and then end up shot dead. PM14282

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia