The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) welcomed the report by United Nations (UN) special rapporteur Irene Khan it said recognizes “positive steps” in the media landscape but pointing out the freedom of expression violations continue to exist in the Philippines.
PTFOMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said the task force is grateful to Khan for her insights and recommendations he promised will be “carefully considered.”
“The report acknowledges the positive steps undertaken by the government, such as the adoption of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists, the establishment of the (PTFOMS), and recent legal reforms,” Torres told Kodao.
“However, we recognize that certain challenges persist, including attacks on journalists, delays in investigations, and vilification campaigns that continue to threaten free expression and the safety of media practitioners,” he added.
In her report, Khan pointed out the killing of four media workers under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration, three of which are probably work-related. Prior to the report’s publication on the UN website, a fifth journalist, Juan Dayang, was also killed.
Khan paid the Philippines an official visit from January 23-February 2, 2024.
READ: Irene Khan slams continuing red-tagging in UN report
In an advanced edited version of her report given to Kodao, Khan highlighted the imprisonment of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio who had been arrested after being red-tagged by government forces in February 2022.
Khan also cited the franchise denial of ABS-CBN and the blocking of websites of Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly as parts of what makes the Philippines “a dangerous country for journalists” for a long time.
Many instances of media killings from as far back as Gerry Ortega, killed in 2011, and Percival Mabasa, gunned down in 2022, remain unresolved despite government promises, the report also said.
Khan’s strongly-worded recommendations against red-tagging and for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict at the end of her 2024 visit earned the ire of the previous PTFOMS leadership, accusing her of being unduly influenced by Leftist organizations.
READ: Groups slam media security chief for red-tagging ahead of UN expert’s visit
The current PTFOMS under Torres is diplomatic and calm in its response however, agreeing to Khan’s recommendation that reforms for media safety must align with international standards.
Torres was appointed as PTFOMS executive director in late 2024 after a stint as director general of the Philippine Information Agency.
“PTFOMS values the constructive engagement of the international community and pledges to sustain efforts to uphold the right to freedom of expression, protect journalists, and promote a culture of respect, safety, and accountability,” Torres said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
