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NOVEMBER 2026
EDITORIAL - NOVEMBER '26
A superpower gone rogue
Guest Editorial / Inquirer.net
FOR a while there, the government had reason to rejoice.
On Oct. 6, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 228 convicted two men — accused mastermind Dante Encarnacion Tabusares and gunman Junell Jane Andagkit Poten — of murder for the killing of Kidapawan radio journalist Eduardo “Ed” Dizon on July 10, 2019.
It had taken seven years, but the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) hailed the resolution of the case as a “crucial milestone in the pursuit of justice for [Dizon’s] family and the ongoing battle against impunity.”
PTFoMS was created by the Duterte administration in October 2016 — the first administrative order signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The reason why the president wanted this Admin Order, or Administrative Order No. 1, is because he cares for you, for us. And he believes in freedom of the press,” said then Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who was a TV broadcaster before heading Duterte’s media team.
The following six years would belie that assertion of respect for and belief in press freedom. Duterte declared the marching orders — “Your franchise will end next year. If you are expecting na ma-renew ’yan, I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out” — and his supermajority in Congress dutifully denied ABS-CBN, the country’s largest broadcast network, a franchise renewal, leading to its shutdown.
Relentlessly red-tagged
Duterte attacked other media outlets, his officials relentlessly Red-tagged journalists, and by the end of his term on June 30, 2022, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had tallied 20 journalists killed. Other organizations and media watchdogs put the number at 23.
Dizon, a broadcaster for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan City who was shot dead while driving home after his radio program, was the 14th journalist slain under the Duterte administration, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). The conviction of his killers was undoubtedly a big step in pursuing justice and accountability for such attacks.
But underscoring the continuing enormity of the dangers being faced by Philippine media, yet another broadcaster has been fatally targeted just six days after the legal victory in the Dizon case.
On Oct. 12, Adrian “Golden Boy” Loterte, an anchor for RBN News Television’s Rabas Cun Rabas, died when two suspects fired multiple shots at him while he was outside his own bakery in Barangay San Roque, Daraga, Albay. The motorcycle-riding gunmen were able to escape — another depressingly familiar element in such incidents — leading the town mayor and a local media group to call on the police to apprehend the killers immediately.
Perpetrated by government officials
Condemning the attack, the Albay Press Club said, “No journalist or media practitioner should have to fear for their life while performing their duty to inform the public.”
That reminder, unfortunately, appears to have worryingly little traction in a country that characterizes itself as a democracy. From the start of President Marcos’ administration through his fifth State of the Nation Address in July, the NUJP has recorded grim figures: 12 media workers slain, 80 subjected to harassment, nearly 40 red-tagged, and 19 subjected to cyberattacks.
Even more disturbingly, of the 256 documented cases of attacks against the press, 58 were allegedly perpetrated by government officials, while 54 were attributed to state security forces.
That dismal state is reflected in international observations. This year, the Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index — just two notches up from 116th in 2025. “Despite its extremely dynamic media landscape, the Philippines is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists,” RSF noted.
Culture of violence
The last killing before Loterte was that of radio journalist Nestor Micator, a news reporter who was shot to death on May 21 by two unidentified men aboard a motorcycle in front of a village hall in Malidegao town, Cotabato province. And before him was the murky death of community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma on April 19, allegedly during a military operation against communist rebels in Negros Occidental. According to Altermidya Network, however, Ledesma was not killed at the clash site but in a different locality.
That these killings are happening mere months apart points to a failure to ensure a safe environment for the press that the Marcos administration must address with the greatest urgency. Against this bloody backdrop, with cases piling up and many remaining unresolved for years, the guilty verdicts in the Dizon case represent a rare welcome break, which should encourage authorities to persevere in pursuing cases against the perpetrators of crimes against journalists. But, seen another way, they’re also a sobering reminder of the deep-seated culture of violence and impunity that remains a grave threat to Filipino media workers, and to press freedom itself. (PDI/10/15/2026)
MAILBAG
Invitation to "Paskong Pinoy sa Chicago," Nov. 21
Dear Editor,
You are invited to "Paskong Pinoy sa Chicago 2026: Philippine Christmas Festival," organized by the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago, with the support of the Philippine Consulate of Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at St. John Brebeuf Parish, 8305 N. Harlem Avenue, Niles, Illinois 60714.
This festive gathering holds special significance as it serves as the culminating activity of the Consulate’s year-long commemoration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.
It provides a fitting opportunity to celebrate not only our cherished Filipino Christmas traditions but also the enduring friendship between our two countries and the important role of the Filipino-American community in strengthening these ties.
The celebration will feature cultural performances, a choral group contest, a parol contest, a Christmas fashion show, Filipino food and delicacies, holiday shopping, raffle draws (with Philippine Airline roundtrip tickets as the grand prize), and many other exciting activities for the whole family.
Admission is free.
I encourage our community organizations not only to attend but also to actively participate in the festivities. Filipino Americans in the area may take part as cultural performers, join the lantern parade, or volunteer to assist in the various activities throughout the event.
For inquiries regarding participation, volunteer opportunities, or the purchase of raffle tickets, contact Ms. Joanne Turija, President of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago, at turij0403@gmail.com.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with your organization and making "Paskong Pinoy sa Chicago" a truly memorable gathering that reflects the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, togetherness, and community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
MELANIE RITA B. DIANO
Philippine Consul General of Chicago
PCG <cultural@chicagopcg.com>
PASKONG PINOY SA CHICAGO, Nov. 21
St. John Brebeuf Parish
8305 N Harlem Ave. Niles, IL 60714
Saturday, Nov. 21 10 AM to 9 PM
Mass at 11 AM
FREE ADMISSION
COMMUNITY NEWS - NOVEMBER 2026
GOOD Shepherd Congregation, the Philippine Independence Church, 4707 W. Pratt Blvd., Lincolnwood, IL 60712 with Bishop Valentin Larejo leading his flock and his guests in a souvenir photo after their celebration of the FilAm History Month with Rev. Junwel Bueno of Philippine American Ecumenical Church as the guest preacher and a dinner get-together followed. For more info, Call Bishop Larejo, 773-780-7111. (PINOY photo by Anong)
DR. Ligaya Marasigan and her husband Dr. Israel Labao pose with their guests led by United Methodist District Superintendent Victor Melad and FilAm UMCs from area churches after the Oct. 11 fundraising dinner in Aurora, Illinois for the Immigration Law & Justice of Northern Illinois, a UMC social concern project benefiting immigrants seeking asylum and various legal assistance. The Labao couple had been members of the board and benefactor of the program for the past ten years. They Methodist lay leaders at Cosmopolitan United Church in Melrose Park. (PINOY Photo by Anong)
ROOTED in the Philippines, Created in Chicago--celebrating FilAm creativity featured Chef Roland Floro Calupe of Panlasa Restaurant, Author Zee Lacson, Filmmaker Cindy Martin, Singer Lou Ella R. Cabalona, Fashion Designer Edrei Alaban in a group conversation to mark FilAm History Month Oct 24 at the Albany Park Chicago Library, moderated by Stephanie V. Lehmann. Consul Ella Mitra-Yeager coordinated the event in behalf of the Consulate General of Chicago.
(PINOY Photo by Anong.)
PIWC (Philippine Independence Week Committee) 2028 Chairman-elect Robert Chavez with Geraldine Taguba Gaden pictured before the voting Oct.11 in front the bust of PH National Hero Jose Rizal. Chavez cruised easily to win the election. Mrs. Gaden presented a comprehensive presentation of her policies and specific projects she plan to do if elected but not enough to overcome the popularity of Chavez. Lodi Po, the 2027 OAC announced the 2027 events kick-off will be on Jan. 16 at the Holiday Inn North Shore. For details, call her at 630-248-3480 (PINOY Photo by Anong).
Still Time for Pasko, and a New Nonstop from Chicago-Manila
CAN’T make Noche Buena this year? You’re not out of time. Pasko back home runs well into January, and the family is still gathered. For many, that’s the Christmas that finally fits the work schedule and the kids’ school break. Picture your children at lolo and lola’s side for Three Kings, parols still glowing.
And there’s news that could make the trip easier. Starting November 9, Philippine Airlines begins the first nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare and Manila, flying every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, or elsewhere in the Midwest, it may be worth flying to Chicago for it. Instead of heading west to change planes in Los Angeles or San Francisco, you can get to O’Hare and take one long flight home. With an evening departure, you leave after work, sleep on the plane, and land in Manila early in the morning.
Because the nonstop flies three days a week, your dates matter, and that’s where ASAP Tickets can help. Our agents can compare the new nonstop with one-stop routes, work out the easiest way to reach O’Hare from where you live, and build the trip around what matters most to your family. That might be arriving before Simbang Gabi starts on December 16, being at the table for Noche Buena, or landing in time for Three Kings. Flying a few days before or after peak dates can sometimes open up more options, so it’s worth checking soon.
A January trip also means trading a Midwest winter for the Philippines’ cooler, drier season. That’s a pretty good bonus.
For over twenty years, ASAP Tickets has helped Filipino families fly home. Their agents speak Tagalog and Cebuano, are available 24/7, and are just a call away before, during, and after your trip. Call +1 888-535-5979 and mention ASAP50 for your exclusive $50 Pinoy Newsmagazine discount. Whether it’s Noche Buena or Three Kings, Pasko is still waiting for you back home.
PARK TO SHOP - NILES NOVEMBER 2026 SALE!
Bayanihan Response for Disaster Relief
The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) appeals for donations for its Bayanihan Relief and Rehabilitation Program to provide immediate support for communities affected by the recent disasters in the Philippines and the United States.
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