Come to the Philippines! Especially Journalists!

I was researching the internet and came across this:

THE International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recently declared that 2006 was a “year of tragedy for the world’s media” as the number of journalists and media staff killed “reached historic levels with at least 155 murders, assassinations, and unexplained deaths.”

According to IFJ General Secretary Aidan White: “2006 was the worst year on record — a year of targeting, brutality, and continued impunity in the killing of journalists.”

In the Philippines alone, IFJ said 13 journalists died last year, bringing to 49 the number of media practitioners murdered since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001. This number, IFJ reported, surpasses the numbers killed during the Marcos regime.

And I was shocked. But not surprised. There are too many secrets that folks are trying to keep a lid on here in the Philippines. And despite all the wondrous people who live here, and all the great people who come from here, when it comes down to politics and money and secrets - life is cheap here in the Philippines.