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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Presidential media security task force slams attacks on journalist during elections

Presidential media security task force slams attacks on journalist during elections

Published May 12, 2025 03:27 pm

At A Glance

  • The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has expressed "serious concern" over the harassment of media personnel during the mid-term elections on May 12, stating that such attacks undermine press freedom and the role of media in a democracy.
  • Recent incidents of harassment and attacks on journalists include the attack on the vehicle of the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, threats against a news crew from TV 48 and radio DWNE in Nueva Ecija by a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, and intimidation faced by radio reporter in Quezon City while covering vote-buying allegations.
  • The PTFOMS is reviewing these incidents for potential legal action against perpetrators and is working in coordination with the Philippine National Police's Media Security Vanguards and media groups to investigate and take appropriate action.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has expressed "serious concern" over the harassment of media personnel during the mid-term elections on May 12.

Davao City residents cast their vote in different precincts on Monday, May 12. (Keith Bacongco/MANILA BULLETIN)
The task force said attacks and harassment against journalists undermines press freedom.

"Such acts undermine press freedom and the essential role of the media in a democratic society," PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. said.

"We do not tolerate attacks on media professionals who are performing their duties as responsible citizens during the elections. We will vigorously pursue cases against those found to be endangering the lives of journalists," Torres said.

Recent incidents include the attack on the vehicle of the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club in Sagay, Camiguin, on May 10, which is currently under police investigation.

On the same day, a news crew from TV 48 and radio DWNE in Nueva Ecija reported being threatened with a slingshot by a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, with further aggressive actions from the barangay chairman.

In Quezon City, radio reporter Rambo Labay faced intimidation from a group of men while covering vote-buying allegations.

These incidents have been formally reported to authorities, and the PTFOMS is reviewing them for potential legal action against the perpetrators.

According to Torres, the PTFOMS and the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Media Security Vanguards are investigating these incidents and will take appropriate action in coordination with media groups.

He urged the public and media members who witness or experience threats to press freedom or journalist safety to report these incidents promptly.

"Document everything and report immediately," he said.

Media personnel, on the other hand, can report incidents of harassment and attacks via the PTFOMS Incident Report Form available online (https://forms.gle/hNizuXw7AhPn5DnN9) or through the QR code on the PTFOMS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PTFoMS).

As of May 12, PTFOMS has recorded three incidents of possible election-related media threats, highlighting the ongoing challenges to journalist safety in the country.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any form of election-related fake news, misinformation, and disinformation through dedicated hotlines, email, and social media channels.

Related Tags

2025 elections PTFOMS Media Journalists
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