Philippines Massacre Victim’s Family Watched By Unknown Men

Philippines Massacre Victim’s Family Watched By Unknown Men

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands that authorities immediately investigate the alleged surveillance of the family home of UNTV journalist Victor Nunez, one of the victims of the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan Town Massacre in Maguindanao province, in the southern Philippines.

Reports by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, the Nunez family saw two men on a motorcycle outside their Cagayan de Oro home several times in the past week, most recently twice on the morning of December 10.

Neighbours also reported that the men asked about the exact location of the Nunez family home and the layout of the surrounding streets, prompting Catherine Nunez, the mother of the late reporter, to report the matter to local authorities. No action had been taken to provide security support, Nunez reported.

“The IFJ demands that authorities identify these men immediately and dedicate the necessary resources to ensure the safety of the Nunez family,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Attempts to intimidate the parents of Victor Nunez so soon after the tragic loss of their son must be taken seriously in a country where violent criminal acts are too often met with impunity.”

The massacre claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers. It remains the worst known atrocity committed against journalists and media workers.

ENDS

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