Deles: Mindanao media rights will be protected under P-Noy

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quinto-Deles said yesterday that the rights of media in Mindanao will be protected under President Aquino.

Deles said that the Aquino administration will do its best to protect and safeguard media’s rights no matter how hard-hitting the criticisms would be. “The Philippines has become one of the ‘most dangerous assignments’ for media practitioners, together with Iran and Iraq, and truly, most serious efforts must be waged to assure you of the atmosphere of openness and safety. Needless to say, we need to continue to have a free, independent, and objective media to protect the peace,” Deles told the participants of the 6th Mindanao Media Summit held at the Garden Oases Resort and Convention Center here.

Deles made this assurance as the country approaches the first anniversary of the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, wherein at least 34 journalists died. She also thanked the media participants for taking consistent efforts to not only live up to the highest standards of truthful, balanced and accurate reporting, but also to have actively committed to their role as stakeholders of peace in Mindanao.

“Thank you for ensuring greater public understanding and awareness of the complex issues attending the peace process, instead of simply heightening images and sources that tend to overvalue violent responses to conflict,” Deles said.

Deles said it is necessary to always acknowledge the tenacity of its commitment and its brave efforts to live up to its role as one important pillar of democracy. She also lauded the Mindanao media forum for yearly convening the media summit. 

“I especially appreciate your presenting this summit as “the media’s way of ensuring its continuing positive outlook and support to the government’s peace and development program in Mindanao,” Deles said.

The three-day summit aims to equip Mindanao journalists with both tools of analysis and knowledge to be able to do their job of reporting the news based on the realities present in Mindanao.

This year’s theme is “Mindanao 2020: Moving Forward,” which challenges media’s decision makers to propose measures and take action to move the Mindanao news agenda forward.