Message of AKSYON RADYO-ILOILO on the SWAT Assault The past few days have been trying times for all station personnel. There is localized sense of disbelief and shock. A lady personnel is still reeling from the trauma of having been commanded in a very menacing voice to take her shirt off – together with the male employees – as “all of them were suspects”. No, she didn’t take her tanks off. The men have taken things in temperance but the thought of seeing the muzzle end of seven M-16 barrels pointed at them still paints the very discomforting thought of nearly leaving behind widows and fatherless children. There is a prevaling feeling of betrayal, almost a loss of trust in the institution whose members are sworn to serve and protect. It is not so much about the atrocity but the identity of those behind the atrocity that makes it all the more atrocious. Even more pervasive is the collective feeling of outrage. Rage at how officers of the perpetrators – violators of enshrined Constitutional Rights – can even have the temerity and callousness to simply charge all these to SOP – Standard Operating procedures. We take comfort however, in the outpouring of support from our comrades in the profession – print, TV, radio, the Iloilo Press Club, KBP and NUJP. It sure is a very heartwarming feeling to know that a legitimate and just cause for freedom of the press still serves as a unifying factor, transcending fierce competition and network differences. We express our appreciation for the efforts extended by Provincial and City Government Officials who have called for an investigation of the incident. This makes us realize that there are still government officials who are open minded and who truly understand the role of critical media. We are grateful to Cong. Jeffrey Ferrer of Negros Occidental and Sen. Grace Poe who took notice and have assured a congressional inquiry on the incident. Some other Senators have expressed interest. Most of all we remain indebted to our listeners – texters, facebook followers here and abroad and friends – lawyer-friends, engineer-friends, taxi driver-friends, carpenter-friends, kumpare-friends, soldier-friends, sikad driver-friends, neighbor-friends, good policemen-friends, friends of friends … our families. In moments like these we draw our strength from all of you – in your patronage, in knowing that you believe in us. We anticipate machinations, intrigues and conspiracies. Plots will be hatched to destroy us. But we are confident you will always include us in your prayers. And as long as you would all be there, we will stand our ground. With His grace we may fall but we will never falter. We are the men and women of AKSYON RADYO-Iloilo.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 11:35:45 +0000
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