Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director, Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., reports the Philippines’ improved ranking in the Press Freedom Index, from 134th to 116th, during the May 6 Conference on Media Security and Safety at DeLuxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo: SAYU/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) —The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) will prioritize active engagement with local and community media, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“When I was appointed by the President, klaro kayo iyang gisulti nga kinahanglan proteksyonan, bantayan ang local media. As much as possible ang prayoridad karon mao ang community media. To help those who have problems,” said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFoMS.
(When I was appointed by the President, he made it very clear that local media must be protected and monitored. As much as possible, the current priority is community media, to assist those who have problems.)
Torres said the PTFoMS will continue efforts to promote press freedom by providing training and activities on media safety and security, particularly in daily coverage.
“Hopefully, later this year, or even after the elections, we can start workshops focused on safety and security. For instance, we will cover disasters. Unsaon nato pag-cover sa disasters nga dili pud ta mabiktima (how to cover disasters without becoming victims ourselves),” Torres said.
The Conference on Media Security and Safety, held May 6 at the DeLuxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, was the first in a series of planned initiatives. It included discussions on safety protocols and the upcoming midterm elections. Media practitioners from northern Mindanao and members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) attended.
COPC President Froilan Gallardo commended local reporters for their dedication despite low pay and various challenges. He urged them to double their efforts from May 11 to 13 to deliver accurate and reliable information.
“Be the eyes and ears of the people nga nangatulog pa anang mga panahuna kamo ilahang source of information, and be proud of it,” he said.
(Be the eyes and ears of the people who are still asleep during those hours—you are their source of information, and be proud of it,” he said.
Radio broadcaster Menzie Montes, who has faced harassment while reporting, welcomed the initiative.
“The significance of this event, reassuring the security and safety of the media, especially during this election season, is a big help for us. We, in the media industry, sometimes are not aware that we are already harassed. It’s good to note that through PTFoMS, we can now address this matter without fear,” Montes said.
She added that future PTFoMS engagements will support media practitioners in delivering accurate, verified information.
Meanwhile, Torres noted that the Philippines moved up in the Press Freedom Index from 134th to 116th out of 180 countries—the highest in 21 years. He attributed this progress to the work of local media.
“This is a good indicator that the media landscape in the Philippines is good. Tungod kini sa local media because you are doing your job well,” he said.
PTFoMS was established in 2016 to help ensure a safe environment for journalism and uphold press freedom in the Philippines. (SAYU/PIA-10)
