We note the proactive effort of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in ensuring media safety by initiating unannounced house visits, albeit raising concerns, following the killing of journalist Percy Lapid.

We welcome the directive of NCRPO chief PBGen Jonnel Estomo to stop and refrain such practice, including the ongoing investigation on the incident.

The Commission on Human Rights reminds law enforcement officers that ensuring media safety necessitates a careful balance in respecting individual and collective rights. Media security is best pursued through regular coordination with their respective organisations, as well as journalist groups, to institutionalise efforts protecting media freedom and safety. In this way, members of the media are aware of what to expect and what law enforcement agencies can commit as a means to level-off and further improve on protocols as necessary. ###