Gradual erosion of press freedom in the Philippines

Media Blackout? (Philippine Politics)

“You are commanded to appear before the office of the Southern Metro Manila Criminal Investigation and Detection Team ... on Dec. 5, 2007 at 10 o’clock in the morning and bring with you a DVD copy of raw video footage [of the] March,” PNP Director Edgardo Doromal said in his order to Maria Ressa, head of the ABS-CBN news and current affairs department.

“FAIL NOT UNDER THE PENALTY OF LAW,” the order said in bold letters.

“It seems attempts to intimidate and harass journalists continue. These actions show a gradual erosion of press freedom and degrade our country’s democratic processes,” Ressa said.

Ressa said there were 12 ABS-CBN personnel among those arrested, including TV reporter Ces Drilon. The rest were producers, engineers, drivers and researchers.

Report from Inquirer

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