Since my arrival in Manila six months ago, I have been quite impressed by the objectivity of The Manila Times in reporting on the political, economic and social scene in the country, particularly with regard to Charter change and the promotion of the rights of citizens.
Despite this, however, I am perturbed by the spin put on the news report on Myanmar which appeared on the Monday issue of The Times. It can hardly be considered objective for The Times to emblazon in bold letter, “Myanmar army beheads civilians, torches village,” based solely on a report of an unknown group of westerners and ethnic minority volunteers.
It is one thing to uphold the right to freedom of expression but quite another to print a sensational headline without first verifying the veracity of the report. The credentials of the authors of the report are questionable and their intentions suspect.
The allegation that the Myanmar army is on the rampage, beheading and maiming its own citizens is baseless. Contrary to the dark and sinister picture painted by the group, the Myanmar army is a disciplined organization, dedicated to defending the national interest. Each and every soldier is required to strictly abide by the military code of conduct.
In addition, they are constantly reminded by the highest authority of the land to uphold the 10 principles they must observe in dealing with the people.
Here I can do no better than to repeat the exhortation of the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Senior General Than Shwe, to the soldiers on the 61st anniversary of the Armed Forces Day.
In his speech commemorating the occasion he urged the soldier to vindicate the trust placed in the Armed Forces by the people; to defend and protect their life and property; to deal politely with the public; to be calm and collected; to always hold in high regard the interest of the people; to give priority to them; to respect religion, belief, culture and traditions of the people.
Thaung Tun
Ambassador to the Philippines
The Union of Myanmar