MATI CITY -- Several Mindanao-based journalists are requesting their colleagues in southern Philippines to temporarily halt sending stories to national publications and broadcasting networks that are publishing stories calling for an all-out war declaration in the region.
In a statement circulating through social networking sites and text messages, concerned Mindanao-based journalists also urged all Mindanaoans to boycott corporate media for its "irresponsible and blood-thirsty reportage on Mindanao."
"Let us stop buying national newspapers and stop watching the evening news. We call on Mindanao journalists to stop submitting stories to the gatekeepers in Manila. We also call on Mindanao leaders to stop granting interviews to national journalists. Let us do this in the next seven days for the sake of truth and peace," the statement said.
On his Facebook account, Froilan Gallardo, a journalist from Mindanao, posted: "Panawagan lang ni sa mga (Calling all) Mindanao-based journalists who want a sober coverage of this current madness in Mindanao. Can't we make a stand against our colleagues from Manila whose news agenda clearly promotes an environment of war. Puwede kaya tayo mag sign nang petition or something (Can we sign a petition). After all, Mindanao is our home and surely it will be our families and friends who will be affected. Not theirs. They can go back to the comforts of their lives in Manila after covering the war here while we face the sad reality."
A few days ago, Muslims in Marawi burned the logo of ABS-CBN TV Patrol and photos of anchors Noli de Castro, Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon because of the result of the program's poll survey asking viewers if it's about time to stop the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and declare an all-out-war.
The poll survey showed a high percentage of the participants favoring the declaration of an all-out war.
But the poll did not sit well with other journalists as well, including Manila-based who frequents Mindanao for coverage.
Veteran and award-winning journalist Ed Lingao, on his article "Media goes to war", said: "I propose, for our safety and sanity, that everyone now agitating for immediate all-out war be equipped with the latest gadgetry and weapons, and airdropped into Al-Barka so they can live out their deepest fantasies in the mud and coconut trees of Al-Barka. The mediamen can bring all their alalays and their makeup kits if they wish. After all, we all want to look good doing our stand-ups, don't we? Oh and they can bring their writers too, since many of them can't write sensibly even if their lives depended on it. Don't bother to bring your expensive cellphones and blackberries; walang signal dun. Don't bring your iPads, especially if you intend to stay for several days; walang kuryente dun para mag charge. Ang angry birds dun, ibang klaseng bomba ang iniitsa. Bring sunblock, bring bug spray. Bring hairspray na rin."
"And if you still have room in your pack, try to bring lots of good sense, though, and bring an open mind. No matter how gory and bloody and terrifying it looks in the movies, Hollywood will never ever get it. You can never smell real fear in a movie house. Oh before I forget, let Erap take the lead too. In fact, he is welcome to dress up again in his army uniform so he can prance around the hills of Al-Barka while the rebels nip at his heels and show him what it really means to be a tough guy," added Lingao.
Compostela Valley Representative Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay, meanwhile, expressed support on the call for sobriety.
"We must keep our sobriety intact, be done with all-consuming hate, and never give in to the temptation of untempered rage," Apsay said.
She said peace negotiations with the insurgents must be continued, and cooperation and confidence between the two sides be "reinforced rather than undermined."
She also called that justice should be served "under a rule of law, and never under a rule of arms."
Apsay also criticized warmongers, saying there has been too much bloodshed in Mindanao and the never-ending cycle of violence has impeded the growth and development of the island.
"Force may be all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived. We cannot shake hands with those who attain temporary peace with hands stained by blood," she said.
The all-out war call was earlier rejected by President Benigno Aquino III, who said it is not appropriate at this point, believing that rash decisions can only dishonor the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives and the many others lost in efforts to win the peace.
Nineteen soldiers were killed in an encounter between government troops and MILF rebels in Al-Barka town, Basilan, last week. The clash also left several others wounded.
The President said, however, that he will not declare an all-out war in Mindanao despite the Basilan clash, which was followed by a series of attacks blamed on the MILF in Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.
He said his administration will not jeopardize the lives of more civilians and would pursue peace talks, which is a longer term solution for the conflicts in Mindanao.
Aquino vowed to go after those responsible for the clash but through all-out justice, which he said is "sober and fair" and could lead to lasting peace.
Twenty-six Mindanao governors and 16 city and municipal mayors have, so far, expressed support to the President's stand.
Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, president of the Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors League, assured the President on Thursday of their full support.
He said declaring a war against Moro rebels will neither address conflict in some parts of Mindanao nor will provide a better solution to the island's peace problem.
"We are supporting the president. After all, tayo lang din naman ang makikinabang dito (we will all benefit from such policy)," he said.
Del Rosario said a close coordination with the local government units all over Mindanao, especially those directly affected by the conflict, is an important aspect in solving the Moro insurgency problem. (Ben O. Tesiorna/With JOP/Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
