On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) remembers journalists who were killed for doing their work and renews its call for justice for them and their families.
Despite government pronouncements to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of media workers, the Philippines remains a dangerous place for journalists.
NUJP’s Media Safety Office has documented 266 incidents of attacks and threats against media workers and at least 12 journalists killed under the Marcos Jr. administration. Based on data from the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, only three of these killings have been classified as non-work-related.
These are not just numbers. Behind such figures are journalists whose lives were cut short, families who lost their loved ones, and communities denied their right to information. Every unresolved killing sends a dangerous message that those who target journalists can get away with it.
The Ampatuan Massacre, which claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 media workers on November 23, 2009, remains one of the starkest examples of impunity in the country. Seventeen years after the massacre, the victims’ families continue to seek full justice.
While the December 2019 convictions marked an important development, the case remains far from resolved. Appeals by the convicted individuals remain pending before the Court of Appeals and dozens of other accused remain at large.
The fight for justice also continues for photojournalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose remains have never been recovered. In August 2026, Momay’s daughter again appealed to the Court of Appeals to recognize him as the 58th victim of the massacre, following the trial court’s refusal to include Momay in the list of victims. His family continues to seek the judicial recognition and accountability they have long been denied.
Update on Cases
There have been recent developments in other cases that show accountability is possible and must be pursued. The conviction of two men for the 2019 murder of Kidapawan broadcaster Eduardo “Ed” Dizon is a welcome step toward justice for his family, seven years after he was killed. Likewise, the recent arrest of a suspect in connection with the shooting of Capiz broadcaster Jay Lavapiez is a step toward accountability.
These developments matter. But arrests and convictions must not be treated as the end of the pursuit of justice. They must be followed through with proper investigations, prosecution, and accountability for everyone involved. In the Lavapiez case, authorities must establish the roles of everyone involved, including the gunman and those who may have ordered or financed the attack. All responsible must be brought before the courts.
The failed attempt to arrest former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag in Ifugao on November 1 underscores how accountability can remain elusive, particularly when those facing charges are powerful or influential. Bantag remains wanted in connection with the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and the death of alleged middleman Cristito Villamor Palana. The continued failure to bring him before the courts underscores the need for authorities to sustain efforts to locate and arrest him so that he can answer the charges in court.
The killings of Gerry Ortega and Mabasa likewise underscore the need to pursue justice beyond holding the direct perpetrators accountable. Those who ordered, financed, or enabled these crimes must also face justice.
The recent killing of broadcast journalist Adrian Loterte in Daraga, Albay, on October 12, 2026 is another reminder that the threat of violence against journalists persists.
Our call
In her 2025 report to the United Nations Human Rights Council following her visit to the Philippines, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan also raised concerns over the continuing impunity for crimes against journalists and the slow pace of investigations. She called for prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations, particularly in cases involving powerful individuals and government officials.
These are not new demands. Impunity is not a problem of the past. Every new attack highlights the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and more decisive government action.
NUJP has long called for justice for journalists who have been killed, accountability for those behind the attacks, and concrete measures to protect media workers. Yet, these calls continue to be made as cases remain unresolved and attacks persist.
Government commitments must be measured by the cases resolved, perpetrators held accountable, and journalists protected—not by statements and promises alone.
There can be no genuine press freedom where journalists are killed, threatened, or silenced with impunity. There can be no justice while those responsible remain free and those who seek the truth continue to face danger.
END IMPUNITY!
JUSTICE FOR SLAIN JOURNALISTS!
DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM!
Reference:
National Directorate
secretariat@nujp.org
