Whether through print, television, radio, or social platforms, our media workers have always played a critical part in shaping the history of our nation. In the face of calamities, armed conflicts, the pandemic, and even attempts to silence them, our journalists have remained ever faithful to their role in ensuring the proper workings of democracy in our country.

Indeed, our legitimate media workers trudge day and night, amid various threats, just to provide the public with timely, accurate, and relevant information. Their dedication to public service is truly undeniable and losing one of them is a tragedy not only for the industry but for the entire country.

With their pivotal contributions to nation-building and in closing the gap between the government and the people, the least we could do is to better protect our journalists so they can truly feel safe and free to deliver essential news and even hard-hitting commentaries without having to look over their shoulders every time.

Thus, I once again appeal to our authorities, please protect the life and safety of every media worker. Let us properly listen to their concerns and provide measures that will make it less dangerous for them to perform their duty in our country.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte himself established the Presidential Task Force on Media Security or PTFoMS during his administration to investigate media killings.

The PTFoMS is an inter-agency task force, composed of agencies such as the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and Presidential Communication and Operations Office, with a devoted mandate to safeguard media freedom by protecting the life, liberty and security of members of the press.

Regarding the reported media killings, the PTFoMS closely coordinated with the PNP and the Media Security Vanguards during investigations. Media Security Vanguards were PTFoMS Focal Persons composed of PNP's Public Information Officers who served as the first line of defense of journalists across the country as they first receive and respond to all threats leveled against media personnel.

Most importantly, through the task force, media workers were able to secure a direct communication line with the Office of the President.