On the Occassion of National Press Freedom Day

Today, as we mark National Press Freedom Day, we celebrate significant strides in ensuring the safety and security of media practitioners nationwide. These achievements are evident in our improved international press freedom rankings and enhanced response protocols against media-related threats and harassment.

Despite progress, we recognize the ongoing challenges facing media practitioners, from traditional violence and legal harassment to emerging digital security threats and misinformation. Defending press freedom requires continuous vigilance and action on all fronts.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) is deeply committed to protecting journalists and fostering a free media environment. We collaborate continuously with law enforcement, government agencies, and media partners to proactively address threats, ensuring a safe space for the media to thrive.

Key Initiatives:

Media Vanguards Program: Led by the Philippine National Police, this program enhances rapid response mechanisms. We work with the Commission on Human Rights, National Bureau of Investigation, Public Attorney’s Office, and National Police Commission to promote and protect media workers’ rights.

Case Review and Re-Investigation: PTFOMS is actively reviewing and updating cases of media killings. We are conducting re-investigations of archived cases to ensure justice and thoroughly address unresolved issues.

Training Workshops: We initiated collaborations with international organizations and stakeholders to conduct safety and security training workshops, equipping journalists with the skills to navigate both physical and digital threats.

Cybercrime Prevention: In partnership with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, we address and mitigate the growing cybercrime threats and harassment faced by media workers.

Today, we also honor the birth anniversary of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, a pivotal figure in Philippine journalism and a champion of press freedom during the Spanish colonial period. His legacy of integrity, bravery, and truth-seeking remains a guiding light.

We urge everyone to recognize and support journalists’ critical role in our democracy. Let us recommit to fostering an environment where truth prevails over disinformation and where laws protect rather than restrict press freedom.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to this mandate. We pledge to sustain all collaborative efforts to protect the rights and welfare of media practitioners.

#PressFreedom #SafetyAndSecurity #JournalismMatters