In letters addressed to the President, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, and PNP chief Oscar Calderon and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates attested that the Philippine government’s record in solving media killings sends a strong message to the world that the Philippine government cares little for the lives of journalists and a democratic, free media.

Citing the 50 Filipino journalists killed since 2001, the letter writers stated: "We are deeply concerned by these figures, and by the apparent lack of political will to find these journalist killers and bring them justice. The Melo Commission, created on August 21, 2006, has been appallingly unsuccessful in investigating these murders, and despite governmental assurances, the bloodshed continues."

The International Federation of Journalists letters said: "It is time for the government to make a stand for a free and safe Philippines, and act now to end the culture of impunity, to show the world your nation protects its citizens, punishes criminals, and values press freedom and democracy."

Among those who wrote letters were media organizations in Australia, Belgium, Norway, US, Uganda, East Timor, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Croatia, Hong Kong, Congo and India.

Members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the local IFJ affiliate, held nationally coordinated actions.

Journalists and photojournalists gathered last week at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and released doves which have traditionally symbolized justice and peace. The IFJ also urged its members to all wear black in sympathy with the Philippine journalists.

Jose Torres Jr., NUJP chairperson, said the killings create a chilling effect that affects the entire media community. He scored the Melo Commission report on media killings as sketchy and lacking in depth.

Rowena Paraan, NUJP secretary general, raised concerns about the newly-approved anti-terrorism law. She said a lot of its provisions will impact negatively on media coverage of issues, such as limiting the sources that can be interviewed, exposing journalists to unwarranted surveillance and even to the possibility of tenuous charges of inciting or conspiracy to commit terrorism.

In Subic, the local NUJP chapter will launch a multi-media infomercial campaign against impunity.

NUJP-Sorsogon has scheduled a forum on the human rights situation in Bicol with the Commission on Human Rights regional director as resource person. There will be a special mass for all victims of extra-judicial executions. Radio stations have been requested to devote a segment of their prime time programs to the issue of killings.

In Bukidnon, journalists wore black a motorcade around Valencia City. A band concert followed. NUJP members in other parts of the country had similar activities.