Inquiry urged into scribes' killings

Amnesty International (AI) took the cudgel for three slain Filipino journalists, saying the government should launch a full investigation of their cases to pave the way for the arrest and imprisonment of their killers.

In a statement, the London-based AI said, "We urge the government of the Philippines to take immediate steps to conduct full and impartial investigations into each case.

"Witnesses, relatives and others involved in the investigations should be protected from intimidation and reprisals," it said, adding the inquiry should be made public and those who may be found responsible for their killings should be brought to justice immediately.

In August, Sonny Alcantara was shot in the head after criticising a local town mayor.

In April, Benjaline Hernandez, a leader of the local college editors' guild in the southern Philippines, was killed while researching alleged rights abuses by the military in the south.

In May, Edgar Demalerio, a radio commentator and a newspaper editor, was gunned down over articles he had written on local government‚s corruption.

The main suspect in the killing of Demalerio was a police officer, but he was set free and was reportedly shielded by his superiors, the local press said.

At the same time, those who witnessed the killing of Demalerio have been receiving death threats and were forced to leave their residence for fear of their lives.

About eight journalists were killed while several others were kidnapped and injured since 2000.

The irony is the press in the Philippines enjoys the highest degree of freedom in the region, but the AI said the Philippines is "paradoxically a very dangerous place for journalists".

"In order to combat impunity and to prevent further human rights violations from occurring, it is imperative that the government makes clear that justice applies to all and that perpetrators will be prosecuted regardless of the position or influence they hold," Amnesty said.