STATEMENT OF SENATOR MAR ROXAS ON
DEATH THREATS AGAINST ABS-CBN REPORTERS

The news that three veteran journalists, ANC anchorman Ricky Carandang, ABS-CBN news anchorman Anthony Taberna, and DZMM Radyo Patrol reporter Noel Alamar, have received death threats following their vigilant coverage of the elections in Lanao de Sur is very alarming. These threats must be taken seriously given the long string of unexplained and senseless killings of journalists.

A free press is as much a pillar of democracy as our sovereign right to select our leaders. It is very disconcerting to hear that our journalists are receiving death threats during this critical time of final canvassing. Though such threats may be considered as part of the hazards of the job, the responsibility falls on the Philippine National Police to look into these death threats and resolve to protect the members of the media as well as our brave election volunteers within the bounds of law.