The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), has reactivated the “Media Safety Vanguards” on Tuesday, April 8, which will be deployed as special teams to ensure the safety of media in the coming May 12 local and national elections.
PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. said during the launch that specialized teams who were trained to respond quickly to any threats or incidents involving media personnel will be deployed to serve as “a dedicated force, ready to respond to threats and protect” journalists.
“We also aim to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and media organizations to ensure timely and effective responses to security concerns,” Torres said.
He also said journalists will undergo workshops and seminars to equip them with the necessary knowledge and resources needed in order to stay safe while doing their jobs.
“With the launch of the Media Vanguards initiative, we are taking significant strides toward ensuring the safety of our journalists, who play a crucial role in defending and promoting press freedom in the country,” he said.
For its part, the PNP Public Information Office will be in charge of the Media Security Vanguards that will serve as the “first line of defense” and will establish mechanisms that will address threats against the media.
“The media has an important role in our society. They should not be killed. They should not be intimidated because if there’s no free expression, there’s no justice, there’s no true democracy,” Torres said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz highlighted a report of an international watchdog where the Philippines did not have a record of media killings in 2024.
“Isa pong malaking accomplishment yan na dapat nating ipagmalaki,” Ruiz said.
He also said that with the launch of the Media Safety Vanguards, the security of media practitioners, especially during the elections, will be prioritized.
“The reactivation of the MSV will ensure that we maintain this good record. Your are vital contacts for media security within the PNP PIO of every province and city,” he said.
“Let us all shield our journalists so they can continue to work as messengers of the news and vessels of public opinion. They are vital force in our democracy and their views must be protected that will ensure that we will continue to have a democracy in this land we all love,” he added.
The Media Security Vanguards was first launched in January 2022, designating PNP PIOs as focal persons for media security in different provinces and cities in the country.
