“Commentary 6 (28 July 2013): Rappler writer implies ‘Muslims and Communists’ as responsible for CDO bombing” written by TDP
“Tragedy occurred last 26 July 2013 (Friday) in Cagayan de Oro City as forty-eight (48) were injured and six (6) civilians were killed in a bomb attack at a local bistro. Philippine troops and the police have since then been ordered to tighten security and stay vigilant in lieu of the recent event (France-Presse, 2013). Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and investigators were on site to search for clues on Friday night’s attack: “We are doing everything (to determine the suspects). We have placed the police in Mindanao, the intelligence community, and the army on heightened alert to prevent a similar attack” (France-Presse, 2013). An investigation is ongoing to determine possible motives for the restaurant bombing.
“Despite the lack of substantive evidence to pit a certain person or a certain group as responsible for the attacks, France-Presse of Rappler makes some misleading and judgmental claims about the possible culprits. In the 28 July 2013 article published by rappler the author notes: “Cagayan de Oro is a bustling city that has been relatively unscathed by a decades-old Muslim and communist insurgency that have plagued parts of the south in this largely Catholic country” (France-Presse, 2013). Although the writer notes that “Roxas’s statement suggested the attack may not have been the work of Muslim militants who operate in other parts of the south and are known to use mortar bombs rigged to a timing device”, the writer links specific groups as suspects of the attack. Furthermore, the adjective ‘Muslim’ is used to describe ‘militants’, which is problematic because it unrightfully relegates the act as being religiously, as well as politically motivated.
“According to the Philippine Press Institute (2013), “all efforts must be exerted to make stories fair, accurate, and balanced”, and “language, photographs, visuals, and graphics that are racist, sexist, insensitive, and disrespectful of men, women, and children, religious dominations, cultural communities, and gender and political preferences” should be avoided at all times. By insinuating that the attacks may be politically motivated and by implying that such attacks may be attributed to a particular religious group, France-Presse is guilty of two major unethical practices. Rather than speculate and consequently feed the public unsubstantiated information, it is best to wait for the results of the formal, official investigation.” Posted by TDP.
“On June 9, a dead body was found in a river in Des Moines River, Iowa. It was identified to be Kathlynn Shepard, a 15 year old girl who was kidnapped by a convicted sex offender.
“Although ABC News did not include an obscene or scantily clad photo of the victim, there was a huge undated photo of Kathlynn seen in the write-up.
“Several news reports both abroad and in the country have issued similar reports, including photos of victims and mostly suspects. However, I don’t think it was ethical to post a picture of a minor, especially online where information is more open and accessible. Even if the crime story is a very interesting case, compared from the usual reports we hear and read, journalists should essentially be able to recognize the right to dignity of victims, especially if they are killed.
“Not only was it inappropriate to post Kathlynn’s picture but publishing her name was clearly unethical, regardless of the consent of the family to post such. According to the Journalist’s Code of Ethics, a journalist ought to “exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.” The writer should have just created a pseudonym for the victim or described her as a “15 year old girl” and not published her photo. More than getting a good story, respect for the victims should be more prioritized. It shouldn’t even be debated on; it’s just plain common sense.
“abcnews.go.com/US/body-found-river-identified-missing-iowa-girl-kathlynn”. Posted by Mischa
