THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) yesterday affirmed the commitment of the Marcos administration to promote the welfare and interests as well as ensure the security and safety of media practitioners in the country.
PTFOMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez, during PTV’s Public Briefing, said the continued operation of his office is proof of the President’s respect and commitment to ensure the welfare of the members of the media.
“President Bongbong Marcos’s sustaining of the operations of our office, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, is a strong and clear message to our countrymen and the world that he really respects and gives importance to the interests and security of the journalists in the country,” he said.
Gutierrez said data verified by PTFOMS showed there are 116 cases involving members of the media in the Philippines since 1996, with 19 having been resolved.
He said this includes the Ampatuan massacre in 2009 that resulted in the death of around 50 journalists. He said more than 40 persons have been convicted for the incident.
Gutierrez said under the Marcos administration, at least three media killings had occurred — the slaying of broadcasters Renato Blanco in Mabinay in Negros in September 2023, Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa in Las Pinas in October 2023, and Cresensciano “Cris” Bunduquin in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro last month.
He assured the public that the cases involving the deaths of these journalists do not end with identifying and filing cases against the suspects.
He said the government would also make sure the “masterminds” and all those involved in the cases are brought to justice.
Gutierrez said the PTFOMS has been coordinating with the PNP and the Armed Forces to better protect journalists in the country.
