“The journalist captured a powerful emotional moment that depicts the human cost of the Philippines’ war on drugs,” the group’s judges said of the picture. All entries by local and international news organizations about the effects of President Duterte’s war on drugs won either awards for excellence or honorable mentions in their respective categories. The awards ceremony was addressed via video links form London by the former British Governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten and by CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. “Now, more than ever, we need to commit to real reporting across a real world in which journalism and democracy are in mortal peril.”The Sopa Awards for Editorial Excellence were established in 1999 as a tribute to editorial excellence in both traditional and new media, and were designed to encourage editorial vitality throughout the region. The awards cover a broad range of categories reflecting Asia’s diverse geopolitical environment and vibrant editorial scene.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 17, 2017 17:03 UTC