Media security is crucial in upholding press freedom. It helps media practitioners to do their duty, including speaking truth to power, without fear of reprisal and attack. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the move of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), through the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police, to designate “media security vanguards” who would be in-charge of addressing threats against journalists during the election period.
Designating media security is a concrete effort to give protection to media workers. It recognises the dangers and challenges that beset journalists in the exercise of their duties. In recent years, they have been subjected to unrelenting intimidations, threats, and even violence or killings. The hostile environment has created a chilling effect to many media workers, which also caused a huge blow to press freedom.
During election period, when reporting facts and truths are even more expedient, many media workers face heightened risks and threats. CHR is hopeful that the designation of dedicated security will ensure the reduction of violence and threats against media workers towards creating a more conducive environment for press freedom. In the same vein, we trust that the implementation of this initiative shall adhere with rule of law and due process.
CHR also welcomes the PTFoMS commitment to investigate killings of media personnel who are running for office. At the same time, we continue to urge the government to address all forms of media killings and threats. Ensuring accountability of perpetrators is a concrete way to curb and deter the persistence of media hostility. CHR, as the country’s independent national human rights institution, is always open to working closely with the government in upholding the rights and dignity of media workers. ###