Esperat case decision due tomorrow

Before I post more Davao-related entries, I'm flagging this post first so that journalists can cover this tomorrow. I definitely hope that everyone, journalists and non-journalists alike, will monitor the outcome this case, as this would most likely have an effect with the other cases of journalist killings in the country.

“Unlike in the other slain journalists’ cases, this one (Esperat case) seems to have a very promising outcome as there is a clear identification of the masterminds and full cooperation from the witnesses,” said private prosecutor, Atty. Nena Santos in the Esperat primer.

TO: Editors/News and Current Affairs heads/Station Managers
FR: Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists, Inc.
DATE: October 5, 2006
SUBJECT: Decision and Promulgation on the Marlene Esperat murder case trial

The promulgation on journalist Marlene Esperat murder trial is set on October 6, 2006, at Cebu RTC Branch 21, Hall of Justice, Cebu Provincial Capitol Compound, Escario St., Cebu City. After the court proceedings, there will be a press conference with the two eldest children of the late Esperat, their legal counsel, Atty. Nena Santos, FFFJ representative and Philippine Press Institute executive director Jose Pavia, and Cebu Citizens-Press Council board member Atty. Pachico Seares.

In view of this, the FFFJ has prepared an in-depth primer (available here in the site of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility) on the Esperat case to show the significance of this case on the national scale. Coverage of the promulgation by the media outlets is strongly requested.

Please see the attached primer for more details about the case.

For inquiries, please contact Nathan (0915-998-7247; 632-840-0903; email: staff@cmfr-phil.org) or the Cebu Citizens-Press Council (032-414-7980; email: admin@mbfpressctrcebu.org.ph).

Please visit http://www.sunstar.com.ph/blogs/esperat for a running account
of the trial.