Magazine editor receives death threat

Reporters Without Borders today voiced great concern about a death threat received by Glenda Gloria, the editor of the Manila-based magazine Newsbreak, and it called on the head of the police, Gen. Arturo C. Lomibao, to order an investigation and ensure she is protected. "In the current political context, it is essential for the press to be able to work without being targeted by threats, intimidation or censorship, and it is the duty of the police to protect threatened journalists," the organisation said. The threat against Gloria took the form of a funeral wreath that arrived at her home on 2 August. On a ribbon attached to the flowers there were words of condolences signed, "From your loyal friends." The wreath was sent by a man aged about 30 who drove a black car. Newsbreak said it is taking the threat seriously and believed it was linked to its investigative reporting. Gloria reported in the 4 July issue that the army's intelligence service was the leading suspect in a case of telephone tapping that has shaken President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government. Newsbreak has often reported about corruption and abuse of authority, including cases in which the president herself has allegedly been involved. Five journalists have been killed since the start of the year in the Philippines in connection with their work.