Human Rights group says No to HB 2737, Yes to Freedom of Information Bill

Cotabato City- Moro Human Rights group here condemns Pres. Aquino and Cebu Rep. Luis Quisumbing for blaming the media on the bloody hostage-taking drama infront of Quirino Grandstand, Manila on Monday.

Pres. Aquino said the media coverage of Mendoza’s brother being taken into custody might have further agitated the hostage-taker. Rep. Quisumbing filed House Bill 2737 which will impose a media blackout on all delicate police and military movements in times of crisis or emergency. He proposed that mediamen who will commit the unlawful act of violating it be imprisoned from six months to one day to six years with or fine of P20,000.

KAWAGIB said HB 2737 is a violation to press freedom and the right of the public to information, although we are aware that media should be responsible in whatever information they provide to the public.

“If the hostage drama turned bloody, it was not because of the media coverage but because police mishandled the situation and lack facilities to respond to the crisis”, according to the group.  

“Had the media not covered the hostage-taking drama, the public will not know how poor the MPD and unequipped to respond on crisis situations. The police were also unconscious of the rights of the relatives of Mendoza when they coerced (physically) Mendoza’s brother and uncle to mediate in the negotiation”, the group added.

According to KAWAGIB, the media should not be blamed for what had happened, instead the government should investigate and look into the police’ rules of engagement. The media are just doing their job. Instead of pushing for the HB 2737, the House of Congress must approve the Freedom of Information Bill to uphold public interest and press freedom if Aquino administration is really for democracy of our country.###