Philippines: Women Press Freedom Condemns Doxing of Journalist Menzie Montes
November 19, 2024 - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the malicious doxing of Menzie Montes, a radio presenter based in Cagayan de Oro, and another Filipino journalist, by a "fictitious Facebook account" on November 4. This unlawful act of intimidation targeted Montes using personal data reportedly sourced from the city’s Housing and Urban Development Department.
Releasing any journalist's personal information as a form of retribution is a direct attack on press freedom. It not only endangers their safety but also undermines their right to free expression. The safety of journalists in the Philippines remains deeply concerning, with at least 200 killed since the return of democracy in 1986. Over the past five years, Women Press Freedom has documented 23 cases of threats specifically targeting women journalists.
The doxing of Montes underscores the grave violation of privacy, with her rights under the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 blatantly disregarded. This act suggests that journalists like Montes should not criticize the government, insinuating that they benefit from government programs like housing.
We demand that Philippine authorities immediately investigate the doxing of Menzie Montes and take swift action to ensure the protection of citizens’ data. Those responsible must be held accountable to safeguard both press freedom and privacy.
WPF strongly condemns the attack on Lorena Resulaj, who was physically assaulted while questioning Roskovec Mayor Majlinda Bufi. Shocking footage shows municipal staff forcibly removing the Piranjat reporter as the mayor looked on.
We demand authorities in the region to stop weaponizing the law to attack journalists and undermine press freedom. We also call for their immediate release and for them to be allowed to work freely without any fear of retaliation.
We demand authorities in the Philippines to probe Montes’ doxing and ensure protection of citizens’ data, holding culprits to accounts.
WPF stands with the journalists attacked this morning in Tbilisi, including OCMedia's Mariam Nikuradze, who fell twice, and camera operators violently assaulted by riot police while covering protests against election results.
Palestinian journalist Rasha Herzallah has been sentenced to 6 months in prison and fined by an Israeli military court for alleged "incitement on social media.
As the Baku hosts world leaders at COP29, wrongfully jailed Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifqizi, Elnara Gasimova, & Nargiz Absalamova are assaulted in ther detention center.
Journalists Aytaj Tapdyg and Khayala Agaeva were briefly detained & forcibly removed while covering a COP29 protest in Baku.
Women Press Freedom condemns this harassment and calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately halt these practices and uphold press freedom.
Journalist Tanya Fowles, who uncovered serious flaws in the police handling of Katie Simpson’s case—whose death was initially misclassified as a suicide—alleges she has been under police surveillance in connection with her work on the case.
Bongani Siziba and cameraman Sbonelo Mkhasibe were detained in Maputo on Nov 14 while reporting on post-election unrest. After significant efforts by their outlet, News Central TV, and the South African Consulate, they were released.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the tragic killing of Sakina Mansour, along with her two sons and several other family members, in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Joun.
After questioning Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli on potential disagreements with President Erdoğan, journalist Hilal Köylü faced public scolding and was told to "quit her profession."
Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust detention of Esra Ghorani, a reporter with the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), and her TV crew by Israeli occupation forces.
Jailed journalist Sandra Muhoza faces a 12-year prison sentence for sharing information in private WhatsApp group of media professionals about alleged government-led arms distribution.
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the sexual assault of journalist Vida Rabbani, who is unjustly imprisoned.
Jailed journalist Ana Carolina Guaita faces trial for terrorism, inciting hatred, and obstructing public roads. In detention since August, she could face over a decade in prison if convicted on these bogus charges.
We call for an immediate investigation into this incident to ensure accountability and reinforce protections for journalists. Press freedom must be upheld without compromise.
Journalist Ana Raičković was violently assaulted outside a restaurant in Podgorica by businessman Zoran Bećirović, his son, and a bodyguard. Raičković, a well-known reporter for Pobjedacg, was punched, threatened with being “burned alive” if she didn’t stop her work, and had her head slammed against her car door.
Mere weeks after sharing her harrowing experiences of being targeted at Women Press Freedom's Transnational Repression Roundtable in Ottawa, Canada, the disturbing details of yet another plot against Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad have come to light.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the horrific violation of rights represented by the tragic murder of Iranian journalist Mansoureh Ghadiri Javid.
Zahra Abu Sakheil, a Palestinian journalist, was killed alongside her brother and father in an Israeli airstrike while seeking refuge in a school shelter in Gaza City.
We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent threats made against journalist Venelina Popova by Mayor Nikolay Tonev of Galabovo.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent upholding of the 5-year prison sentence of unjustly imprisoned editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran of the news site Zarig by the Mongolian appeals court.
We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the arbitrary denial of credentials to several journalists, including political correspondent Tara Palmeri, at former President Donald Trump's election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Antonina Torbich, deputy editor of Chetverta Vlada, is the target of a smear campaign following her team’s critical reporting on the head of communications at Rivne City Council.
