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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR condemns attack vs journalist in Laguna; starts own probe

CHR condemns attack vs journalist in Laguna; starts own probe

Published Jul 20, 2024 07:37 am

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the attack last July 15 against a journalist in Barangay San Gregorio in San Pablo City, Laguna as it started its own investigation.

Citing reports, the CHR said that two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen reportedly targeted journalist Marc Angelo Barrios, a reporter of Laguna Patrol. 

It said that seven shots were fired at Barrios who, fortunately, escaped unhurt with only his motorcycle damaged by bullets.

Earlier, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) had urged the PNP to investigate the incident deeper. PTFoMS did not agree with the initial police findings that the incident was a mere "threat and malicious mischief."

PTFoMS' efforts to get to the bottom of the shooting incident have been appreciated by the CHR, the commission said in a statement. 

The CHR expressed hopes that the government can assure fully that all media workers can exercise their profession free from violence, intimidation, and harassment. 

"CHR reiterates the role of a free press in a democratic society. Attacks made against media workers are attacks on the fundamental right of all to freedom of expression, speech, and our access to truth, through reliable sources of information," it said. 

"We remain firm on our stance that committing any acts of violence against journalists who take on the responsibility of delivering truthful information to the public is contrary to the enrichment of a democratic society. May this incident serve as a reminder to all duty-bearers to ensure that a safe environment is accessible to all Filipinos as they report about the truth," it added.

At the same time, the CHR encouraged media workers to report all cases of attacks and threats against them through the commission's  Alisto! Alert Mechanism. 

It said that Alisto! Alert Mechanism was launched by the commission as part of its commitment to be more proactive in promoting media welfare in the country.

The CHR said: "Freedom of the press is a mark of a healthy and functioning State. The CHR will always stand for the rights of all media workers in promoting a society where truth is central in our democracy, and that they are able to freely practice their duty free from any intimidation, harm, and violence."

Related Tags

San Pablo City San Pablo media welfare Attacks on Media Commission on Human Rights media protection
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