By Karlo Mongaya

Filipino bloggers are rallying to defend press freedom against moves by Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to shut down Philippine-based news website Rappler.

On January 11, the Securities and Exchange Commission cancelled the company’s license to operate as a business, claiming that it has violated rules against foreign ownership of media companies.

Although Rappler has received some financial support the US-based Omidyar Network, it is fully is owned and operated by Filipinos who reside in the Philippines. Nevertheless, President Duterte insinuated in his July 2017 State of the Nation Address that Rappler is “fully owned by Americans.”

Supporters held “Black Friday” protests on January 19, condemning the attacks against the besieged news site and demanding stronger protections for media freedom. Members of mainstream media, campus journalists, activists, and press freedom advocates gathered in Quezon City and Bacolod City to raise their voices.

On the same week the SEC revoked Rappler’s license, the country’s National Bureau of Investigation also summoned company CEO Maria Ressa, along with a reporter and one of the company’s corporate owners. The investigation is the result of a claim by businessman Wilfredo Keng, who alleges that Rappler committed “cyber libel” in a 2012 article that showed evidence that Keng had been involved in human trafficking and drug smuggling. Rappler has vowed to challenge these claims against the company.

On January 19, Filipino bloggers collectively wrote and signed a statement expressing their commitment to freedom of expression, and their solidarity with Rappler. Initiated by Mom Blogger Noemi Dado, the statement is part of an outpouring of support by Filipino social media users and netizens for Rappler and in defense of press freedom.

More bloggers are invited to join the signatories by signing up at bit.ly/bloggersforfreedom. Here is the statement’s text and initial signatories:

Statement: Bloggers for Freedom

We concerned Filipino bloggers stand for the rights to free expression and to free speech. And our first responsibility is to protect these rights.

We thus stand with Rappler, its right to exist, the rights of its working journalists and contributors, and the rights of its community of readers.

We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views.

Now is a time for making choices amid battles between truth and lies, debate and dissonance, democracy and dictatorship.

”We sign our names here to tell everyone we have made a choice. We are bloggers for freedom.“ Noemi Lardizabal-Dado

Tonyo Cruz

Dale Bacar

Marcelle Fabie

Myk Mykapalaran Cruz

Rod Magaru

Ely Valendez

Alex Lapa

Tess Termulo

Zena Bernardo

Jover Laurio

James Romer V. Velina

Ramon Nocon

Flow Galindez

Helga Weber

Mc Richard Viana Paglicawan

Raymond Palatino

Loi Landicho

Saul de Jesus

Karlo Mongaya

Ricky Rivera

Mark Will Mayo Magallanes

Eyriche Cortez

Julius Mariveles

Yusuf Ledesma

RJ Barrete

Dino Manrique

Peachy Tan

Rhadem Camlian Morados

Julius Rocas

Jon Limjap

Markku Seguerra

Jam Ancheta

Estan Cabigas

Enrico Dee

Acee Vitangcol

Stefan Punongbayan

Jesus Falcis

Hancel Reyes

Czarina Maye Noche

JM Mariano

Reginald Agsalon

John Clifford Sibayan

Jane Uymatiao

Johnn Mendoza

Carlos Celdran

Christian Melanie

Jann Medina

Carlo Arvisu

Inday Espina Varona

Eugene Alvin Villar

Melo Villareal

Brian Ong

JM Tuazon

Fritz Tentativa

Fitz Villafuerte

Tina Antonio

Mykel Andrada

Reynaldo Pagsolingan Jr.

Renz Daniel de Vera

Alfred John Tayona

Jed Lariego

Judith Albano

Maritel Ledesma

John Paul Manahan

Vencer Crisostomo

John Phillips Bengero

Leo D. Cloma

Kassy Pajarillo

Dianne Salonga

Joseph Gonzales

Bimbo Isidro

Alan de Luzuriaga

Acielle Angeli Garcera

Maria Jose

Nath Hermosa

Mavic Conde

Anton Deleon

Pepe Cabrera

Jorel Alfuente

Yshmael Cabana

Allandale Antenero

Consie Lozano

John Philip C. Bravo

Eduardo Joven

Claire Madarang

Randell Tiongson

Michelle Ressa Aventajado

Jim Paredes

Didi Tiu Tang

Menard Osena

Oji Sanchez

This article originally appeared on Global Voices.