BACOLOD CITY — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has reconvened its Cebu chapter to address and thwart attacks on the local press.
Members of the national directorate led the chapter’s general assembly on July 7 that saw the attendance of 10 journalists from Cebu.
During the assembly, the new members were given an orientation about NUJP, its history and campaigns, which include promoting press freedom, media rights and welfare.
The chapter also elected its officers, with Rappler Visayas correspondent Lorraine Ecarma chosen as its chair.
Ecarma was in the news in May after she was prohibited by the police from covering the release of Lumad teacher Chad Booc from detention inside the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas.
The incident was among the factors in prompting NUJP to ramp up efforts to reactivate its chapter in Cebu.
Also elected as officers were GMA News correspondent Charlie Hera as vice chair, John Sitchon of Rappler as secretary-general, Claire Obejas of Aninaw Productions as treasurer and Rhea Kayesha Asibal of DYRF Radio Fuerza as auditor.
The national directorate had been trying to revive the Cebu chapter following cases of threats and attacks on journalists in the province.
NUJP looks forward to renewed collaboration and cooperation with Cebu’s community of journalists, which celebrates Press Freedom Week every third week of September. — Marchel Espina, NUJP auditor