No country in the world could claim that it’s government is democratic unless it can guarantee that the Fourth Estate enjoys freedom.  Censorship, assassination, and intimidation are the most common methods used to suppress freedom of the press. The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that in 2004, the Philippines and Bangladesh were among the world’s most dangerous places for journalists.  RSF said that in 2003 and 2005, “after Iraq, the Philippines is the most dangerous country for journalists." Six journalists have been killed so far this year, 43 since 2001, and 80 since 1986.  Compared to the 14-year Marcos dictatorship, there were more journalists killed in the last five years.

Compounding the killings of journalists is a similar pattern of assassinations targeting leftist activists.

These unabated killings were denounced by the London-based Amnesty International (AI) in its report released last August 15, 2006.  The report — which chastised the Philippine government with the now-famous words, “Shame On You!” — indicated that there were 66 “extrajudicial killings” in 2005 and 51 in the first six months of this year.

The AI report alluded that the intensification of such killings may be attributed to the all-out war against the communist insurgents and their allies.  This reminds me of the 1960s when the government purportedly created a para-military group to fight the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and its predecessor, the Hukbalahap, in Central Luzon.  The members of the para-military group were called the “Monkees,” named after a popular American musical group.  The NPA guerillas, with their unkempt hair, were called the “Beatles,” named after the world-famous mop-haired British musical group.  Thus, the rivalry between the two musical groups was duplicated by their namesakes in the killing fields of Central Luzon, not with musical notes but with the eerie rhythm and staccato of gunfire.  

After the embarrassing “Shame On You!” report, President  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced last August 21, 2006 the formation of a “commission to conduct an independent probe of the killings of media practitioners and militant activists."  She appointed former Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo to chair the commission. Ominously, within hours after President Arroyo’s announcement, another leftist leader was murdered inside his house in Surigao del Sur.  

While the formation of the Melo Commission is a good move, it remains to be seen how it would stop the killings and bring the killers to justice.  It is believed that the killings of some of the journalists was the work of some provincial and local politicians including the crime lords who were exposed for corruption and other illegal activities.  On the other hand, the extrajudicial  killings of leftist activists are believed to have been committed by rightist and anti-communist groups.  

The questions that linger in my mind are:  Would the government successfully pursue the prosecution of those involved in the killings?  And, would witnesses come forward to testify against the accused?  While it would be highly improbable for the government to succeed in prosecuting the killers without the cooperation of witnesses, it can do something to mitigate the killings by enacting strict — I mean, with teeth — gun control laws.

I watched the movie “Lord of War” not too long ago and saw the viciousness of people who are involved in the illicit arms trade.  Known as the “Merchants of Death,” illicit arms dealers are solely motivated by profit.  

When an illicit arms dealer sells a firearm which would consequently be used in a murder, would that make him an accessory?  It is a little bit of a stretch but think about it.

First of all, the government should restrict — or, better, nationalize — the manufacture and  importation of firearms. A moratorium should also be imposed to limit arms production and importation for military and police use only.  Privately owned arms manufacturers and importers should be put out of business as part of the nationalization program.

Secondly, registration of firearms should be mandated and strictly enforced with stiff prison terms for violators.  This would provide a mechanism for the government to trace firearms used in killings.  All existing firearms in the possession of politicians and their bodyguards should be inventoried and monitored.  They should only use their firearms for the protection of the politicians.  

The notoriety of the Philippines will haunt the government for a long time.  It would certainly affect tourism and would deter foreign businesses from investing in the Philippines; thus, destabilizing the economy.  There are already signs that the country’s economy is weakening and could possibly lead to a recession in 2007.  The gains that the Arroyo government has been proud of in the past two years could be wiped out... fast.