Two broadcasters have been threatened and attacked less than three weeks before the Ma7 12 mid-term elections, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) reported.
The task force said DZRH reporter Romeo Beñas Gonzales has allegedly been threatened last Monday, April 21, by Mayor Joseph Bernos of La Paz, Abra via Facebook Messenger and a subsequent video call.
Last Sunday, April 20, former Negros Press Club president and radio blocktimer Reynaldo Siason’s house in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, had been strafed by yet unidentified attackers. The victim and his family were unhurt.
PTFOMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said they condemn the attacks that highlight “significant threats to press freedom in the country.”
“[The task force] is taking decisive action in response to recent threats and acts of violence against media workers,” Torres said.
PTFOMS added that it has initiated “active investigation” in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as implement measures to protect media workers and bring those responsible to justice.
The agency held election coverage safety forums and meetings with media workers throughout before the May 12 polls.
“We take all threats against media workers seriously and are committed to safeguarding their security as they fulfill their essential role in our democracy,” it added.
Torres, a veteran journalist, called on politicians to respect and uphold press freedom, saying it is crucial for candidate to help ensure the media can carry out their duties without fear of retaliation or violence.
“A free press is vital to a healthy democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to protect this fundamental right,” he said.
Earlier, both the Manila Broadcasting Corporation and the Negros Press Club issued respective statements condemning the attacks against Gonzales and Siason. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)