“Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty.” President Marcos stressed this following the brutal killing of hard-hitting radio commentator Percival Mabasa, known better as Percy Lapid. This is a reassuring statement coming at a time when press freedom in the country is once again under threat. Mabasa’s death highlights the hazards of the profession and its consequences to press freedom. As the governments of Canada and the Netherlands, in a joint statement, put it: “Journalist killings strike at the very core of media freedom and can create a chilling effect that curtails the ability of journalists to report news freely and safely.” Now that the President has laid down his stand, government functionaries should put into motion the five pillars of the criminal justice system – law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, penology, and the community – so justice may be served to the family of Mabasa. The five pillars should work collectively and with dispatch to bring to justice those behind this dastardly and cowardly act. Doing so will serve notice to everyone, including the suspects and those who intend to trample upon the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press, that President Marcos and the government mean business and are ready to uphold this right enshrined in the Constitution. And government functionaries should act swiftly. Marcos is closely watching. And to underscore his determination to protect media, Marcos has directed Palace officials to closely monitor the progress of the investigation into the ambush-killing. Likewise, the international community is watching. In a rare display of unity on a domestic issue, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the European Union, France, Germany, and Denmark have expressed solidarity in appealing for a swift resolution of the attack on Mabasa, while reaffirming their commitment for freedom of the press and protection of journalists. “Freedom of expression is essential to building the future the people of the Philippines want and deserve,” the US Embassy in Manila said in a tweet, responding to the joint statement of Canada and the Netherlands. The British Embassy in Manila, also reacting to the joint statement, urged the Philippine government to ensure the perpetrators of the killing are brought to justice and to create a safe environment for journalists. Solving the Mabasa case the soonest possible time will help allay fears that the incident is portent of things to come. It will also serve notice that this government is serious in upholding freedom of expression and in protecting media practitioners, who are considered by President Marcos as partners in the pursuit of the country’s development. This is one opportunity for the government to show that the country’s criminal justice system is at work. Like any other peace-loving and freedom-loving Filipino, we look forward to this. And we express hope and remain confident the government won’t fail the nation.