WE WOULD like to point out the breach of journalism ethics committed by one of your writers, Ruby Silubrico.
We are attaching the screenshots of her article entitled “More soldiers deployed to Miag-ao” posted on your website, April 21, 2020.
We are also attaching the official statement of PAMANGGAS on the murder of John Farochilin posted on its Facebook page, April 20.
In her article, Ms. Silubrico took her time to copy+paste a quote from PAMANGGAS, but instead of attributing it as a statement from PAMANGGAS, she attributed it to the spokesperson of NPA’s Mt. Napulak Command, Ilaya Kanaway.
For cause-oriented organizations like PAMANGGAS that are constantly being red-tagged, Ms. Silubrico’s article appears to have malicious intent against the PAMANGGAS. Using our statement and associate it with the rebel group put us in grave danger. This is disturbing and dangerous in these times that progressive organizations are being red-tagged and harassed by state forces.
As a journalist, we urge Ms. Silubrico to verify its sources and cite them accordingly.
We stand by our statement that John Farochilin is a civilian killed by the fascist 61st IBPA. He is in fact currently serving as Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Onop, Miag-ao, Iloilo. He is also the current chairperson of Alyansa sang mga Mangunguma sa Miag-ao and a council member of PAMANGGAS who last 2019, helped farmers affected by El Niño phenomenon get aid.
He devoted his time going back and forth to different government agencies and local government units to ensure that the plight of farmers is heard. He is nowhere near the NPA fighter the military claims he is.
In this regard, we ask that Ms. Silubrico corrects her article and to apologize to PAMANGGAS for this piece of sloppy journalism.
On the other hand, we lambast the AFP for spinning stories to justify its murder of an innocent farmer and for the illegal arrest, detention and torture of 11 civilians, five of whom are minors. The AFP is consistent with its bloody record of human rights violations.
We call for justice on the murder of John Farochilin and the victims of state killings. We also call for the release of the 11 civilians who were illegally arrested by the military. We also urge the Commission on Human Rights immediately launch an investigation regarding the incident.
Thank you and more power! – LUCIA CAPADUCIO, chairperson, PAMANGGAS
