TV5's Ed Lingao Claps Back After Online Threat: "Matagal Na Kaming Takot. Pero Nandito Pa Rin Kami"

(SPOT.ph) Journalist Ed Lingao clapped back at online threats against him and fellow TV anchor Lourd De Veyra, saying that while struck with fear, they keep fighting for press freedom.

Lingao, who co-anchors the newscast "Frontline Tonight" posted on Facebook account about a Twitter user named "Seth Corteza" who claimed to have received information that Lingao and De Veyra were the next ones to be "taken down", an apparent reference to a recetly slain journalist, Percy Lapid.

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Taking note of comments on social media about the threats against him and De Veyra, Lingao said: ""Mga hijo, nagsasayang lang kayo ng oras. Matagal na kaming takot. Pero nandito pa rin kami."

Lapid, a radio broadcaster, was shot dead while on his way home in Las Piñas City last October 3.

The Commission on Human Rights condemned the online threat against Lingao and De Veyra as it called on the government to take proactive measures to end attacks against media workers in the country.

"Any attempts to silence the press—particularly by creating a culture of fear and violence—directly impacts democracy and the human rights situation in the country," the CHR said.

The Department of Justice asked the public's help to trace the identity and whereabouts of Seth Corteza.

"Nandirito ang Department of Justice para protektahan ang press freedom at buhay ng bawat Pilipino," Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, the department's spokesperson, said in a News5 report.

"If there is anyone that can provide information on Seth Corteza and/or the information he has regarding the threat on the anchor's lives, please do share them with the nearest police station for verification," he added.

Where to report threats against journalists?

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has opened a platform where journalists enduring harassment or threats and ordinary citizens experiencing limits to their freedom of expression can report their grievances.

If you are one of them, you can visit the NUJP's website to report your concern. The NUJP has helped journalists and ordinary Filipinos uphold their rights to free speech and expression since its establishment in 1986.