 |
by: Jerome Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippines recorded zero killings of journalists in 2024, a milestone achievement highlighted Tuesday during the launch of the Philippine National Police Media Security Vanguards, a program aimed at protecting members of the press.
“According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, no media person was killed in the Philippines in 2024. That’s a major accomplishment that we should be proud of during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Presidential Communications Secretary Jaybee “Jay” Ruiz emphasized this significant development during a ceremony held at the Philippine Information Agency, and graced by officials from the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Commission on Elections, and the Philippine National Police.
The Media Security Vanguards initiative reactivates a program first launched in January 2022, designating PNP Public Information Officers as focal persons for media security across all provinces and cities nationwide.
These officers will serve as initial responders to threats against journalists.
“You are vital contacts for media security within the PNP Public Information Office of every province and city,” Ruiz told about the vanguards’ critical role. “You are the initial responders to threats against our journalists, giving them timely action and protection.”
The Philippines has historically been considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Since 1986, 147 journalists have been killed according to Reporters Without Borders, while the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines places that figure at 199 deaths.
PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. emphasized the timing of the initiative as the country prepares for midterm elections.
“The establishment of the Media Security Vanguard is crucial, especially as we head into the midterm elections. The safety of our journalists is vital for upholding press freedom and ensuring the public receives accurate information,” Torres said.
The vanguards will work closely with the PTFoMS Secretariat to swiftly address cases of violence against journalists and provide protection, particularly during election periods when threats traditionally increase.
“Let us all shield our journalists so they can continue their work as messengers of the news and vessels of public opinion,” Ruiz said. “They are a vital force in our democracy; their voices and their views must be protected.” (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo by John Lester Naguna/PIA-NCR)
0 Comments