MABALACAT CITY – The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), along with other media organizations, will launch the “Sign Against the Sign”’ campaign to urge Congress to repeal the law that includes the media as among possible witnesses in anti-drug operations.
A statement from the NUJP on Thursday said journalists and industry leaders will sign the manifesto to call on law enforcement units to immediately end the continued practice of making members of the media as witnesses in the anti-drug operations.
This has placed some members of the media into danger including possible retaliation from crime syndicates and the risk for prosecution of perjury in the event of irregularities in the conduct of anti- drugs operation.
The NUJP said the “Sign vs the Sign” launching and press conference and the manifesto signing will be held Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. at Max’s Restaurant along Scout Tuazon, Quezon City.
The NUJP said law enforcement units should spare journalist from becoming witnesses as they cover anti- drug operations.
The NUJP noted that even with the amendment of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 that no longer requires witnesses to these anti-drug operations not just from media but also from a representative of the Department of Justice or an elected public official, the union said they have been receiving continuous reports that law enforcement units continue requiring them to sign on as witnesses, often as a condition for being allowed to cover operations.
According to a report by Davao Today, while the provision was amended by Republic Act No. 10640, enacted in 2014, which made witnessing optional to a representative from the National Prosecution Service and the media, the NUJP said there are reports that they are made to sign even if they did not actually witness the operation or the inventory of seized items. Those who decline can find their sources or the normal channels of information no longer accessible.
The NUJP now calls to the House of Representatives to further amend the law so that no journalist will be forced to become a witness in police drug operations.
The union is also open for talks with the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Congress to discuss guidelines, ground rules and other procedural issues concerning coverage of their operations.
