We, the organizations of the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network in the Philippines, view the actions of the military in Myanmar to reverse the electoral will of the people as a blatant attack on democratic rights and freedoms. We call on the military of Myanmar to respect freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and people's basic civil rights.
We demand that the rights and safety of journalists and media houses be upheld and protected at all times, and that nothing be done to hamper or prevent them from doing their work.
Our concern stems from reports of journalists being assaulted and placed under surveillance by state forces in the days leading to the coup.
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the Myanmar Journalists Network and Myanmar Journalists Association and extend our full support to them. Know that you are not alone.
Signed:
Members of a Network of press freedom organizations in the Philippines
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
MindaNews
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
Philippine Press Institute (PPI)
— PCIJ, February 2021