Thursday 26 November 2009

Suspect held over massacre in Philippines


A prominent member of a powerful clan suspected of involvement in the killing of 57 people, including up to 26 journalists, in the Philippines has been taken into custody.
Andal Ampatuan Jr, a local mayor, surrendered to the authorities but denied organising the killings, the BBC reports.
Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders has estimated that 26 journalists were killed in the massacre. The first estimate was 12.
RWB says: "The journalists worked for local or national newspapers, radio stations and TV stations. The murdered journalists include Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of Manila Bulletin, Henry Araneta of radio DZRH, Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo Koronadal, Nap Salaysay of DZRO, Ian Subang of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Dadiangas Times, and freelance reporters Humberto Mumay, Ranie Razon, Noel Decena, John Caniba, Joel Parcon, Marife Montano, Art Belia and Jun Legarta.
"The fatalities could include four UNTV reporters – Joy Duhay, Victor Nuñez, Macario Ariola and Jimmy Cabillo. Philippine news media have also named Leah Dalmacio of Mindanao Focus, Gina de la Cruz and Marites Cablitas of Today, Andy Teodoro of the Mindanao Inquirer, Bienvenido Lagarte of the Sierra News, Neneng Montaño of the weekly Saksi and Rey Merescon of MindaNews.

No comments: