Journos condemn Mariz Umali harassment

Journalists have rallied behind GMA 7 reporter Mariz Umali following a wave of online harassment tied to her coverage of the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings in The Hague, Netherlands.

The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippines condemned the attacks, citing the recent viral video in which Umali was falsely accused of calling former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea matanda (old).

Umali has since clarified that her remarks were misinterpreted and that “no disrespect was intended” toward Medialdea.

The IAWRT also criticized broadcaster Ramon Tulfo for making what it described as “a remark so vile it defies decency.”

This was in reference to Tulfo’s Facebook post directed at Umali: “Tatanda ka rin hija. At pagdating ng araw na yun pati kep*s mo kukulubot (You will also get old. And when that time comes even your v*gina will also get wrinkled).”

According to IAWRT, other women journalists covering the ICC proceedings — including Zen Hernandez and Gretchen Ho — have faced similar harassment, calling it “a pattern.”

The IAWRT said these harassments are "attempts to discredit Filipino women journalists covering the ICC trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte."

"As women journalists, we stand together. This must stop. Harassment is not criticism; it is an attempt to silence. And a press under attack is a democracy at risk," it stressed. "Their voices matter. Their work matters. And their safety must be protected."

In a separate statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) denounced Tulfo’s remarks as “crass, embarrassing, and unbecoming,” warning that they “may lead to more online harassment of Umali.”

“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemns Tulfo's comments — made ironically, on National Women's Month — and reminds him that the profession and society have evolved since the 1970s and 1980s,” the NUJP said.

“The comments against Umali — and Tulfo's is just one among many — are reflective of online harassment against journalists and media outlets covering the developments at the ICC,” it added.

The NUJP emphasized that such incidents “should not be normalized.”

"NUJP recognizes that emotions are high during these tense times but also points out the rights of one person while directing threats at others, at the expense of their rights and their safety."