“Media workers” are “those who are legitimately engaged in news media practice directly or indirectly, whether as a principal occupation or not.”
THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has launched an investigation into reported threats and violence against journalists, amid heightened tensions ahead of the midterm elections.
This follows reports that La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Bernos, who is also running for congressman, threatened DZRH reporter Romeo Beñas Gonzales via Facebook Messenger and video call on April 21st.
In a statement released Thursday, PTFOMS said it is collaborating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to verify the allegations and assess the security threats against the journalist.
In a separate incident, the home of former Negros Press Club president and radio blocktimer Reynaldo Siason in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, was riddled with bullets by unidentified assailants on April 20th.
PTFOMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. stated that the agency takes all threats against media workers seriously and is committed to ensuring their safety as they perform their crucial role in democracy. Torres also called on all candidates to respect press freedom and allow journalists to perform their duties without fear of retaliation or violence.
PTFOMS reiterated its call for responsible journalism, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethical professional standards during this tense and challenging period.
Meanwhile, the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) strongly condemned Bernos’ alleged threat against Gonzales. NPC President Leonel Abasola urged relevant agencies, particularly the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
