The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) formalized on Tuesday, August 27, an agreement for the safety of Filipino media workers.
The CHR and PTFoMS said the agreement is the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated, and more proactive framework to protect our media community.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is more than a legal formality. It is a moral stand that in a democracy, journalists should never face harassment, intimidation, or violence for simply doing their job,” CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc at a ceremony on Wednesday said.
“[We]…must work hand in hand to respond to violations and prevent them through awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and legislative advocacy that strengthen press freedom protections in our country,” he added.
PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres said the MoA is an attempt to reverse the trend of harassment, threats, and violence against Filipino journalists.
He said the PTFoMS acknowledges four work-related media killings under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government.
“Today’s agreement…establishes concrete actions that will provide real protections, prompt responses, and justice for media workers in distress,” Torres said.
CHR and PTFoMS said initiatives under their partnership include:
- Rapid Response Mechanism: Establishing a hotline, threat assessments, and temporary protective measures to swiftly address immediate dangers.
- Investigation and Accountability: Strengthening collaboration with legal and investigative agencies to ensure impartial, timely investigations into attacks.
- Victim Support: Providing legal and psychosocial assistance to victims and their families.
- Capacity Building and Prevention: Conducting gender-sensitive safety training for journalists and first responders.
- Data Monitoring: Sharing databases on threats, attacks, and investigations to identify patterns and inform policy.
- Legal and Policy Reforms: Advocating for measures to expedite investigations, strengthen witness protections, and address online harassment.
- Resources and Sustainability: Mobilizing human, technical, and financial resources to sustain protection initiatives.
- Engagement and Awareness: Promoting ongoing dialogue with media organizations, civil society, and the public to foster a culture of respect and responsibility towards journalists.
“Protecting journalists is not just an obligation but a reflection of our commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” said Torres.
CHR Commissioner Beda Epres for his part said the MoA is a decisive step toward stronger protection systems, quicker response mechanisms, and more responsive support for media workers facing threats. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
