Talking martial law and Marawi to death

THIS is partly our fault in the news media—print and broadcast alike—because we do not choose more carefully what to highlight or who to interview in our coverage of what is happening in Marawi City and to martial law in Mindanao.

There will be more public understanding and less anxiety and nervousness, if 1) media channels focus on what is really significant in the daily developments and turns in Mindanao; 2) government and military spokesmen will be more thoughtful and discriminating in deciding what to say in their numerous statements on developments there; and3) if opposition politicians and leftwing activists will listen to themselves and refrain from spouting repetitive explanations of their positions on issues.