Filipino journalists based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined the condemnation of Monday’s massacre in Maguindanao where at least 29 journalists were among the 57 people killed.
A report on UAE-based Khaleej Times said the Filipino Press Club-UAE also arranged for special masses for victims of the massacre on Friday.
The masses were scheduled at St. Mary’s Church in Dubai, St. Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi and St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah.
Journalists attending the masses were urged to wear black T-shirts and black ribbons with the message: “Stop Killing Journalists.”
Mariecar Jara-Puyod, president of the Filipino Press Club-UAE, said the massacre is a chilling reminder of how the Philippines has become hostage to the triad of dynastic politics, graft and tribalism that feed off each other.
“It is time to end the spiral of violence this triad has bred and robbed our people of any hope for a brighter future,” the statement said.
The Filipino journalists in the emirate called on the Arroyo government to act with resolve and deal with these barbaric killings with great urgency.
UAE-based Wilma Villanueva, author of the book ‘Postscripts from Mindanao’ reminded fellow Mindanaoans to remain “faithful and brave” in looking for lasting peace in the troubled region.
“The gravity of the killings shattered our dreams and left us at a loss for words. But this should never lessen our resolve,” she said.
Rachel Salinel, Dubai Correspondent of The Filipino Channel, said she was deeply saddened.
“It was a senseless killing of the journalists and other innocent individuals. What we can do now is pray for those who have lost their loved ones and vow to continue doing our best here in reporting the truth and making Filipinos in the UAE proud of who they are because of
their efficient and honest work,” she said. – JHU, GMANews.TV
All I got out of this was “filipino media-whores are cashing in on something they have no control over (yet happens all the time) so they issue a statement of condemnation.
Condemnation? I’m sorry, you condemn this? And that means what? That you don’t like it… well FU, theres a lot of things people don’t like but condemnation is a PR political toy – you’re the media, shut your holes.
I hereby condemn filipino journalists that omit all the news that would hurt tourism. Did that make a difference? I condemn all filipinos in the UAE that rally on issues based on racial homeland lines… meaning you cant argue with me unless you admit to being a racist. Oh… hmmm…. not looking so good now.