To our guest speakers, Atenews alumni who are joining us here in the Zoom (meeting) or through (Facebook) live, Atenews moderators from the previous years and the present, Fr. Erwin Torres, Dr. Victoria Pre, Dr. Cheryl, guests from other student publications and organizations from across Mindanao and the Philippines, my fellow residents in the Atenews, good afternoon.
Some people might say that the conflict in Mindanao is already "history.” The apparent peace between the Moro revolutionaries and the Philippine government reminds us that it has been years since a violent encounter, whether verbal or in a gunfight, between the opposing sides has been the headline in newspapers.
November 2 is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
Nine years ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 declaring October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, as a recognition of girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
Greetings from the Philippines! We hope this letter finds you safe and well during such difficult times. We – the families of the journalists killed in the Ampatuan massacre, as well as media groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens who have stood with them in their continuing search for justice – wish to express our distress and disappointment as news reports, including from government media, have called attention to UNESCO’s classification of the entire case as “resolved” and citing this as an accomplishment of the Duterte administration and its efforts to protect journalists.