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BARAS, Rizal (MindaNews/25 June) — Eight safety trainers including four Mindanao-based journalists yesterday graduated from a ten-day grueling course here.
Coming from all over the Philippines, the graduates are expected to conduct safety training courses for fellow Filipino journalists.
The course was conducted by Rowena Paraan, safety officer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and MindaNews’ Froilan Gallardo, who are certified trainers of the International News Safety Institute.
Alwyn Alburo, NUJP Deputy Secretary General, said having a new batch of safety trainers is a welcome development in the wake of killings of journalists in the Philippines.
Three journalists were killed across the country this week in the latest rash of violence against media persons.
“These new trainers will conduct at least ten trainings across the country in the following months. We hope the trainings will help journalists who are under threat,” Alburo said in a phone interview.
The new trainers are: Joseph Ben Deveza, NUJP safety officer for Mindanao; Jigger Jerusalem, Gold Star Daily; Peterson Bergado, freelance videographer; Richel Umel, Philippine Daily Inquirer Lanao correspondent, Victor Kintanar; Cebu-based freelance photojournalist; Perla Lena; Iloilo-based Philippine News Agency; Ramesis Sison, dyME, Masbate; and Jes Aznar, documentary photographer. (MindaNews)