The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines hails the nomination of media groups and our country’s very own Maria Ressa for the Nobel Peace Prize.
More than the prestige the Nobel brings, the nomination is a welcome recognition of the vital role of the independent media in an age where journalists and news organizations are seen and treated as enemies by governments and groups for whom the truth is anathema.
Alongside the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the red-tagging of media, the continued persecution of Maria and Rappler has become not just symbols but proof of how little regard the Duterte government has for freedom of the press and of expression, and the lengths it will go to stamp out criticism and dissent.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have long been staunch allies in the continuing struggle to defend press freedom and keep journalists safe, while the International Fact-Checking Network’s partners around the world, including Rappler and Vera Files, have helped stem the tide of disinformation and misinformation from drowning out the truth.
We hope this testament to independent journalism will help make the world a safer place for the truth and for truth-tellers.
Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991
