SEVERAL campus publications urged student journalists to uphold democracy and defend free speech during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day on Monday.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines cited the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index 2021 which showed that the Philippines slipped two more places, now ranking 138th out of 180 nations, in terms of press freedom.

The CEGP claimed that the country’s ranking was the result of various red-tagging and attacks against local media.

“No doubt, Filipino journalists and alike continue to be targeted by Duterte’s loyal lapdogs — PNP, AFP, NTF-ELCAC, and more — that led to 19 killings of journalists and counting,” CEGP said.

“Alternative media such as progressive organizations, campus publications and individuals were even sat upon an endless showing of the authoritarian’s horror movie with continuous scenes of red-tagging, military surveillances, harassments, and unjust arrests,” it added.

The guild vowed to continue telling the truth despite “repression.”

“Hence, CEGP extends its hands to critical organizers, staffers, and supporters in writing and choosing truth, change, and freedom despite Duterte’s silent steps,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamahayag said that the attack on Philippine media is one of the most devastating blows to democracy since Martial Law.

“With the truth being suppressed and the world’s attention drawn to the pandemic, these authoritarian regimes have not only been able to brainwash the public into thinking that they have been working hard to solve the problem, but it has also gaslighted the public to go against the media and against each other,” PUP-AKM said.

“Anything that paints the governments as incompetent, inutile, and corrupt in these crucial adversities has been simplified into insurgent attacks and misinformation, which they have no basis for,” it added.

PUP-AKM pledged to remain steadfast and firm in defending press freedom.

De La Salle University’s Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, meanwhile, urged student journalists to be more critical in its reportage inside and outside the campus.

“Sama-sama tayong tumindig, magsiwalat, at magpaalalang hindi magpapatinag ang mga mamamahayag. Magtapos man ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Malayang Pamamahayag ngayong Mayo 3, patuloy ang pagsulong natin para sa pamamahayag na malaya at mapagpalaya,” it said.