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.

A Matter of Trust

Despite all the movies and press about cops going bad in the U.S., people still call 911 over there. Over here, there's a tendency to hesitate, to wonder if the solution might be worse than the cure.

I'm sure that there are good police officers here in the Philippines, the ones who try to do their job despite having no budget for things like plastic bags or rubber gloves to recover evidence, despite the relatively small pay, despite seeing how much more money the less honest ones get. I'm sure its hard with families to support.

It's just that we don't really seem to think of most of them that way. The ones we trust are the ones we know. There is no real faith in a fair and impartial system.

I wonder if that faith will ever emerge.

Soulfast and Saintswalk

All Saints and All Souls Day are very important days here in the Philippines. It's said that people are willing to work on Christmas, during Holy Week, but not on these days.

I think it's partially due to the tradition of remembering, honoring and praying for relatives who have passed away. The other probable reason is that it's a time for family reunions to take place (complete ones, because the departed can be thought to be in attendance as well).

On this day, I greet my departed family and hope they are enjoying their eternal rest.