UJP Subic-Olongapo chapter strongly condemn the harassment of one of our collegaues

We, the Subic-Olongapo chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, strongly condemn the harassment of one of our collegaues who was covering the campaign rally of a local candidate in Olongapo City.

At a little past nine in the evening of May 4, 2010, David Bayarong, chief photographer and publisher of Subic Tmes – an online news outlet dedicated to the coverage of Subic and its environs — was ejected from a campaign rally of re-electionist Olongapo City Mayor James ‘ Bong’ Gordon Jr.

While covering the said event, Bayarong was accosted by the mayor himself who questioned his presence in the campaign rally.

When Bayarong explained that it was his job to cover all camps engaged in the political battle for the top post of Olongapo City, the mayor’s men began harrasing him; issuing threats of physical harm awaiting him outside the venue; branding him as allied to the rival camp of the Gordons in Olongapo City; and making him feel threatened and unwanted there.

Some of the mayor’s men, particularly, Councilor Piano, explained to Bayarong that Mayor Gordon apparently believes that Bayarong – and his website – was an outlet of his political rival, the Magsaysays.

And notwithstanding Bayarong’s explanation to refute this unfounded allegation, he was still escorted out of the campaign rally of the Gordons.
The following day, the Subic Times office, where Bayarong stayed for the night, was burglarized – with only his photographic equipment taken, and nothing else.

The NUJP Subic- Olongapo chapter strongly condemns this incident of harassment of a working journalist. There is simply no justification for what was done by the Gordon camp to Bayarong, especially since they are only based on malicious allegations and not proven fact.

The mayor’s own actions reek of arrogance and the hostility of his men towards Bayarong reflect only Gordon’s own viewpoint. As journalists, we must continue to do our job even in the face of strong arm tactics, such as those employed by Gordon and his men towards Bayarong.

And so, the NUJP Olongapo City – Subic chapter expresses solidarity with journalists like Bayarong againts politicians like Gordon who wield their power irresponsibly, and who, by thier actions, tacitly endorse the use of violence or threats to journalists they perceive to be critical of them.