“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.
“Commentary 3 (1 July 2013): World Bulletin jumps the gun on Japanase MOFA article regarding Philippine visa requirements
By TDP “Last 27 June (Thursday), netizens were abuzz on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites about a report issued by World Bulletin online stating that effective July 1, the Japanese Embassy is lifting visas for Filipinos wishing to travel to Japan on short-term visits (ABS-CBN, 2013). The report went viral in a matter of hours.
“However, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that contrary to the report circulating, it will be relaxing, not lifting, visa requirements for Filipinos visiting Japan for 15 days or less. Specifically: “In celebration of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Government of Japan has decided to begin issuance from July 1, of multiple entry visas for short-term stay to nationals of the Republic of the Philippines (ordinary passport holders), who reside in their home country” (J-MOFA, 2013). ABS-CBN was the first local media group to clarify the mix-up, through an article published less than an hour after the World Bulletin report was issued.
“As per Section III, Number 1 of the Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct’ of the Philippine Press Institute, “all efforts must be exerted to make stories fair, accurate, and balanced” (p. 117). On one end of the spectrum, evidently, the World Bulletin practiced poor, shoddy journalism when it failed to verify the facts, and thusly misinterpreted the report issued by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Especially in the age of digital technology where information is spread rapidly within seconds, journalists should take great lengths in making sure that all pieces of information are accurate, so as to avoid the misinformation of the general public.
“On the other end of the spectrum, it may be argued that ABS-CBN practiced responsible journalism when it swiftly squelched the inaccurate report going viral, by releasing an article online to clarify the issue. Further, the news group contextualized the situation, by alluding to the previous World Bulletin report, and then positioning the article as an erratum to avoid further confusion.”
