The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over the threats against TV5 journalist Ed Lingao and host Lourd de Veyra as it pointed out that these are things that "cannot be taken lightly."

The CHR said that an individual named Seth Corteza tweeted that Lingao and de Veyra would allegedly be the next victims of assassination. Corteza was obviously referring to the fatal ambush of radio broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa, it said.

The commission said it will explore "preventive measures" through its Investigation Office to verify the threats made against the TV5 personalities.

"The CHR remains firm in its stance to defend the free press and calls for the protection of all media workers in the country. We do not and cannot take lightly any threats or any allusions to harm the lives of journalists, regardless if such statements are deliberate or cursory," it said in a statement.

The Commission also called on the government to address these threats and take proactive measures to stop attacks against media workers.

"Once again, we stress the undeniable and vital role of the media in helping the Filipino citizenry obtain timely and accurate information imperative to the realisations of their rights. Any attempts to silence the press - particularly by creating a culture of fear and violence - directly impacts democracy and the human rights situation in the country," it said.

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