The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have partnered to strengthen the safety and security of media workers across the country.
PTFoMS Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. and CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-Latoc agreed to share databases on threats, attacks, and investigations, establish a hotline, conduct threat assessments, and provide temporary protection to swiftly address imminent dangers.
The agreement also includes measures to expedite investigations, strengthen witness protection, and address online harassment against journalists, most of whom are women, Torres noted.
The two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement Wednesday at the CHR headquarters in Quezon City, where Torres revealed there are more than 140 unresolved cases, including one dating back to 1986.
“To protect journalists is not just an obligation but a reflection of our commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” Palpal-Latoc said, stressing the collaboration aims to aid policy-makers in crafting measures that benefit media workers.
