The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned anew the acts of violence and intimidation against media professionals and news outlets that “contribute to impunity and erosion of press freedom.” In a statement, the CHR cited the June 29 attack against Remate Online photojournalist Joshua Abiad and members of his family in Quezon City, and death threats against personnel of media organization VERA Files. Citing police reports, the CHR said that Abiad sustained two gunshot wounds after two unidentified assailants shot his vehicle multiple times. Abiad’s four-year-old nephew sustained gunshot wounds and died at the hospital on July 1. Two other family members inside the vehicle were also injured -- his 41-year-old brother and eight-year-old nephew. A bystander was also hit by stray bullet. The CHR said that the Presidential Task Force on Media Security had disclosed that Abiad is a witness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agencies (PDEA) in drug cases. On the other hand, it said the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) reported on June 26 that VERA Files received death threats, which was accompanied by photos of two men carrying assault rifles. It said the report stated the threats "came after VERA Files published a fact check that belied Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s claim that former President Duterte's comments about killing police linked to the drug trade were only said out of frustration." The CHR has noted that the PNP decided to create a special investigation task group to probe the shooting incident against Abiad and his family. It said the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has recently ruled out Abiad's profession as a photojournalist as the motive for the attack, but did not disclose further details so as not to preempt the investigation. "In line with our mandate to protect and promote the right to life, liberty, and security of all individuals, and uphold press freedom, the CHR-National Capital Region is also doing its parallel and independent probe to aid in uncovering the truth on the aforementioned incidents," the CHR said. "We are hopeful of the investigation being done by relevant law enforcement agencies towards bringing perpetrators to justice. No stones must be left unturned on any case that attack and threaten fundamental rights and freedoms," it said. The commission also called on government authorities to provide adequate protection to both the Abiad family members and VERA Files personnel, stressing that immediate steps must be taken to ensure their safety and security.