November 5, 2011
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End the culture of impunity
Impunity. noun. im-ˈpyü-nə-tē. exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss impunity>
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The Committee to Protect Journalists ranked the Philippines third in its Impunity Index, preceded only by Iraq and Somalia, war-torn countries, so, as expected, should be very dangerous for journalists. But even then, the Philippines have more journalist deaths as compared to Somalia, 56 to 10. Perhaps, only Iraq with its 92 recorded journalist killings could not be overpassed by the Philippines.
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) together with its partner organizations, have declared November 23 as the day for the international observance calling to end the culture of impunity all over the globe. Why this date? Because this is the anniversary of the deadliest day for journalist - the Maguindanao Massacre in the Philippines where 32 journalists and media workers were killed on a single day.
(My post chronicling the Maguindanao Massacre)
IFEX have come up with a website to echo this campaign. It's an interesting site as it tells the story of 23 journalists killed for "reporting the truth." Everyday, one reporter martyr will be revealed, counting down to November 23.
However, let us not be mistaken that impunity is not exclusive to journalists or media workers, it also includes human rights workers, farmers, workers, every one who's killed because of what they believe in, and with government having no interest to give justice to the death of these martyrs.
The 32 journalists and media workers killed in the Philippines are not the only victims of impunity, there are thousands more victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. A fact that is recognized both by the United States (2009 State Department report, here) and the United Nations (download Philippines report of UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, here), but continuously denied and dismissed by the Philippine government as fairytale (news report here and here).
Sometimes it baffles me, the realization that my somewhat peaceful country has all these unspeakable horrors happening in the unlikeliest of places and to the most disadvantaged people.
My share, my action, in helping end the culture of impunity in my country is by telling the story of these people, by putting a face on the dastardly acts of people in power, I hope to raise awareness and inspire action to help end this inhumane culture.
Yes, this business can be risky and there is not a day in my life that I stop praying that I would not be a victim of impunity. And this business is definitely not profitable and totally has no financial rewards. The reward comes from the satisfaction that you did something and that someday your actions would pave the way for change.
How about you, how do you intend to help end this inhumane culture? Or are you even interested to read the story of these people?
Sometimes, it pains me that some just don't care about the miseries of others. Not until it happens to them, and then they say, "Why me?"
Why you? Because cruelty and greed knows no gender, race, social status, religion, or education. It only knows selfishness, just like all the rest of our apathetic population who only cares about themselves.
(Source: CPJ, IFEX, US State Department, and other sites linked in the story | Video credit: Angst Saint on YouTube)
Comments (12)
Good for you, Tribo. I will keep this date posted on my calendar. It is the day before Thanksgiving in the U.S., and thus a fine day to reflect on the orgy of self-indulgence that parades itself before the wretched of the Earth. Benigno Aquino is a shell of a man, compared to his father, from what I have seen so far. The Aquinos and Macapagals have done little for their people. At least we knew what to expect from Marcos, Enrile and Estrada. The "Great Populists" are but the other side of the same tarnished coin.
Only a Tahrir-style uprising, across the country, not just in Manila, will shake the culture of warlord-ism that afflicts both the Catholic and Muslim areas.
I would not hesitate to say that things in Syria is the worst in the world. Who knows what is the right thing to do and when the timing is right to react? November 23 looks like a very timely endeavor.
Governments trying to shut people up! I just commented on another blog, do you hear the people sing? (it's a song) Well.... I say we all sing! I say we have the right to expose the corruption in our society and if they won't let us say what we want in our newspapers and on our tvs, then I say we follow Iran and we use the social media to get it out! They may have control over our printed words in our countries, but not the internet. =)
"cruelty and greed knows no gender, race, social status, religion, or education. It only knows selfishness, just like all the rest of our apathetic population who only cares about themselves."
yep, wise words. But what can be done here?
@RighteousBruin - wow... you are so well informed on Philippine affairs, I am happy... thank you
@PPhilip - :) yes, November 23... and my deadline for my article on impunity is coming close hehehe
I am not well versed on the affairs in Syria though, I will check on this... 
@hesacontradiction - the internet revolution.... I love that song (Do you hear the people sing)! From Les Miserables! Me sings: Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men... it is the music of a people who will not be slaves again...
@RestlessButterfly - how about a smile, Rez
@TheMushyPear - I guess it depends on each one's capacity to do something... we can start by changing from within, ourselves, I guess... being considerate to others and showing kindness in whatever we do...
Oh, I should do a post on this... hehehe 
=D
@tribong_upos - :)
)
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