Bayan sec gen protests Inquirer headline

This is to call attention to the headline of the news story titled “Militants use Velosos in labor protest rallies” (Front Page, 5/2/15).

The headline is patently malicious and does not reflect the actual story written by the reporters. What does the editor mean exactly by the word “use”? Is protesting labor export and joblessness, both valid issues especially on Labor Day, the same as “using” a person?

And which Veloso was the headline talking about because the article mentions only one Veloso—Mary Jane? There was no mention of the other members of the family.

So the jump to conclusion that protesters “used” the “Velosos” is indeed irresponsible.

The story however is well-written and we thank the reporters for focusing on issues. The headline though appears nothing more than a cheap shot at the protesters.

Another disturbing headline appears on the same day in the Technology section of the Inquirer website. It reads “Netizens: #Firing squad for Celia Veloso.”

Why in the world would the editors want to use this as the headline? Are they now condoning violence against the Velosos?

Whatever you think of the family’s views about President Aquino, it is simply wrong to give prominence to statements that incite or even hint at violence against the Veloso family.

—RENATO REYES JR., secretary general, Bayan