The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) remains firm in its stance to defend the free press and calls for the protection of all media workers in the country. We do not and cannot take lightly any threats or any allusions to harm the lives of journalists, regardless if such statements are deliberate or cursory.

On 11 October 2022, CHR received reports involving online threats made against TV5 journalist Ed Lingao and television host Lourd de Veyra. Based on initial review, an individual named Seth Corteza claimed that the two would allegedly be the next victims of assassination; referencing to the fatal ambush of the late radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.

As an independent human rights institution, CHR actively works for the security of the media through our helpdesks and public safety mechanisms. We shall endeavor to reach out to the involved and explore preventive measures, through the our Investigation Office, offer assistance as well as a quick response mechanism that will look into the veracity of threats, among others.

Once again, we stress the undeniable and vital role of the media in helping the Filipino citizenry obtain timely and accurate information imperative to the realisations of their rights. Any attempts to silence the press—particularly by creating a culture of fear and violence—directly impacts democracy and the human rights situation in the country.

The Commission calls on the government to address these violations and take proactive measures to stop media attacks. We look forward to their efforts to look into this matter and similar cases of media rights violations committed in the country. CHR hopes for genuine justice and the end of impunity. ###