Media Ethics and Conflict in Mindanao

Terrorists, kidnappers, corrupt officials and all other undesirable characters in society are usually portrayed by the media practitioners to the image of Muslims in Southern Philippines. Mass media practitioners have contributed to the building of stereotypes to Muslims.

In her article entitled “The Other Face of Mindanao,” Gina Mission said that Mindanao is portrayed as a war zone and that for the uninitiated; it is easier to visualize an island at war than go to the place and see for one's self the validity of such a description. Mass media practitioners deliver news from Mindanao only in terms of conflict, crime and violence. Headlines range from bombings, shootouts, military ambushes, kidnapping incidents and failed ceasefires. Muslims are involved. These give the public the idea that there is a full-blown “war” in Mindanao.

Another issue as cited by Marites Vitug, Editor-in-Chief of Newsbreak, is the use of Christian and Muslim labels, even if religion has nothing to do with stories, continues—i.e. Muslim kidnappers/bandits but never Christian kidnappers/bandits. Vitug continued that with such kind of reporting, the roots of conflict are not illuminated. It does not throw light on the political and economic processes that generate conflict. It does not address the complex relationship between state and rebels, elites and rebels.

She added that journalists failed to adequately distinguish between different parties to the conflict, the MNLF, MILF, and civilian Muslim groups. A TV journalist even said there was no difference between the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf, that they were all related, conspiring to overthrow the government. (Abu Sayyaf is an extremist group. The MILF has denounced the Abu Sayyaf.)

As a result, mass media practitioner's portrayal has prevented the investors to step forward because they get scared by what they have read in the newspapers, heard over the radio, and seen in the television. Another outcome is that many non-Muslims hold certain stereotypes of Muslims. An August 2004 poll in the Philippines showed that 52 percent had a favorable view of Islam while 41 percent had an unfavorable opinion. This showed a decline because in June 2003, those with favorable opinion of Islam reached 58 percent. Those who viewed Islam unfavorably was the same, 41 percent.

Based from a data released by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, a non governmental organization working towards accelerated economic growth in Mindanao and ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely distributed among its people, a lot of development activities are happening in Mindanao, yet it is only the insurgency problem that gets reported.

According to Escote(2008),mass media practitioners play a crucial role in forging peace in a world that seems to be preoccupied with violence. He stressed out that mass media practitioners could either make or break Mindanao with what and how they report events and activities, especially in something complicated like a peace process.

Mass media practitioners should be sensitive to the faith and cultures of Muslims when they are covering events in Mindanao. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, Mindanao State University Center for Peace and Development Studies Director, in her article entitled “Telling the Truth of the "Other": Images of Islam and Muslims in the Philippines”, related the do's and don'ts for non-Muslim mass media practitioners covering events and processes with the Muslims in Mindanao:

(1) Mass media practitioners must observe proper dress and decorum when doing coverage or interviews because part of becoming a Muslim means being always modest in one's dress;

(2) Mass media practitioners must investigate the historical background of the Mindanao conflict and the Philippine government's policy and guidelines for peace negotiations;

(3) Mass media practitioners must be highly conscious of the distinctions between terms denoting religious identity and those used to refer to cultures or groups of persons;

(4) Mass media practitioners must examine not only one source, but all possible sources of information about the circumstances that engendered the Mindanao conflict;

(5) Mass media practitioners must read up on the various cultures of the 13 Muslin ethno linguistic groups; and

(6) Mass media practitioners must be extra careful when describing people who are suspects in crimes.

In her article “Positive Spin for Mindanao”, Rina Jimenez David, Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist, suggested that to project a more realistic image of Mindanao, a simple lesson in geography for reporters, editors, publishers, and news producers in Metro Manila must be given.

Mass media practitioners must be specific also in giving reports. When there is a bombing incident, journalists must dateline their stories where the events took place rather than just saying it was in Mindanao.

Hence, mass media practitioners must be aware of their critical and influential role. They can help in solving the conflict and they may also impede the peace process in Mindanao.