Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla re-assured the Department of Justice's (DOJ) commitment to prosecute those who will threaten and inflict harm and violence against media members.

“The Department of Justice in partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office remains committed in upholding the rights of journalists and ensuring that any threats or acts of violence against them are properly addressed and prosecuted,” Remulla said in his message read for him by Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director and Undersecretary Paul M. Gutierrez.

“The safety of our media practitioners is paramount,” said Remula during PTFoMS's first media summit held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

Remulla, PTFoMS chairperson, described the summit as “not just timely but also imperative,” as he reminded that “a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy.”

He pointed out that a free press "shines a light on the darkest corners of our society and ensures that the voices of the marginalized are heard."

However, he cautioned media practitioners that “freedom without responsibility can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.”

 “Fake news, sensationalism and unchecked information can not only mislead but also endanger lives. This is why our gathering today is so crucial,” he pointed out.

Thus, he stressed that members of the media should "uphold the highest ethical standards in your work.”

 “The future of our nation’s informed discourse rests on your shoulders. Let us remember responsibility does not hinder freedom but rather enhances it. Together let us champion a free and responsible and safe media community where truth thrives and the rights of every Filipino including our media practitioners are upheld and protected,” he also said.

For her part, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta described  PTFoMS' summit  as timely since it seeks to protect and ensure the safety of members of the media.

“Kailangan po ang pag-aaral din ng mga kasama sa media ng batas upang maiwasan ang galit at bangis ng nasasagasaan  (Members of the media need to know the law so they avoid getting caught in the anger of those they clash against),” Acosta said.

She lamented that “marami po ang nagbuwis ng buhay bagaman hindi sana dapat kasi meron mga nasasagasaan ang ating mga kasama sa media na talagang maimpluwensya, may kapangyarihan, may kayamanan, at ang kanilang nagiging resort ay kitlin ang buhay ng ating mga kasama (many have died even though it could have been avoided because many of the members of the media clash against those who have influence, power, riches who resort to kill journalists).”

“‘Wag naman po ganoon (Don’t resort to violence),” Acosta told those who want to seek harm to members of the media.

“Meron pong batas, may korte, may piskalya. Umaandar po ang legal processes. Kung may sama ng loob sa ating mga kapatid sa media daanin po sa legal na pamamaraan at hindi po sa pamamagitan ng armas o dahas (We have laws, the courts, and the prosecutors. The legal process works. If you are angry at the media then resort to legal means and not with arms and violence),” she advised.

Gutierrez said the seminar held on Tuesday is just the first leg of a series.

He said the next leg of the summit will be held next month in Davao and followed by those that will be held in Tagaytay City and Subic in Zambales before the year ends.