The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday welcomed a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stating that no Filipino journalist was killed in 2024, calling it a significant step in efforts to ensure media safety in the country under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a statement, PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. recognized the “hard work and dedication” of stakeholders in upholding the principles of press freedom and protecting the lives of media professionals.
“The absence of journalist killings in 2024, as reported, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, media organizations, and civil society, in promoting a safer environment for the press,” Torres said.
He said PTFoMS remains vigilant and committed to protecting media workers, noting that threats to journalists persist in various forms, including online harassment and intimidation.
“We recognize that the fight for media security is an ongoing process, and we cannot afford to be complacent,” he said. “We continue to monitor and address all forms of threats and harassment against journalists.”
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to investigating all reported cases of threats and violence against journalists, strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies, enhancing awareness and education programs on media security and safety, and improving mechanisms for reporting incidents.
Torres also urged media organizations and journalists to collaborate with authorities in maintaining a “safe and secure environment” for journalism.
The PTFoMS head also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any threats against media professionals.
“The PTFoMS remains dedicated to upholding the constitutional guarantee of press freedom and ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of reprisal,” Torres said. (Filane Mikee Cervantes, PNA)
