THE Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday stood on its ground that no media worker should face threats, harassment or intimidation in the course of their duties.
“It is their responsibility to report the truth, and it is our responsibility to protect their rights and ensure that they can work without fear,” it maintained.
The media, as the Fourth Estate, plays a vital role in ensuring check and balance of those in power, it said.
The Commission reacted to reports from journalists who faced threats and harassment during their coverage of the police operations in an effort to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in August and September.
It said it has conducted an independent investigation to uncover the facts.
“The CHR reaffirms the indispensable role of the media in upholding truth and transparency for the benefit of Filipino society. A free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, and any act of harassment against media workers is an attack on the flow of truthful information that allows citizens to make informed decisions on matters that affect them,” its statement read.
Citing the statement of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines Davao City chapter, the CHR said journalists who covered the police monitoring experienced being bullied or cajoled and used by one party of the conflict to outsmart another.
“We also take this opportunity to remind all media workers to report any instances of intimidation, harassment, or threats to the CHR through our Alisto! Alert Mechanism,” the Commission said.
