NUJP calls an end on ‘drug war witness rule’ for journalists

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called on media organizations to support the campaign in repealing the law making journalists as witnesses in drug war operations.

On Friday, NUJP and media groups launched the online ‘Sign Against the Sign’ petition to oppose the practice of law enforcement units tapping radio, TV and print reporters to become witnesses under the provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

In a statement, NUJP chairperson Nonoy Espina said the practice put the reporters in public danger and risk for possible retaliation of crime drug syndicates.  

“To ensure that this practice is ended once and for all, we urge Congress to craft legislation or amend the existing law. One of our colleagues from Zamboanga del Norte has been receiving death threats from an accused drug dealer because she testified as witness in the operation. She didn’t even want her name to be revealed because of fear. This has to stop,” Espina said.

The online petition noted that “the practice exposes the journalists to prosecution for perjury and other offenses in the event of irregularities in the conduct of anti-drug operations.”

“We, media organizations and news outfits, call on law enforcement units to immediately end the continued practice of requiring journalists to sign as witnesses to the inventory of contraband and other items seized during anti-drug operations,” the petition added.

NUJP, formed in 1986, has over 1,500 members in more than 60 chapters.