The Philippines’ standing in the World Press Freedom Index improved this year, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) announced on Friday.

Citing Reporters Without Borders (RSF) data, the PTFoMS said the country’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index rose from 134 to 116 out of 180 countries — its highest in 21 years.

The RSF said substantial improvements in the safety and legal frameworks of Philippine media helped the country climb up the ranks.

“This ranking is a welcome development on the eve of World Press Freedom Day and a boost to our efforts to address media-related threats and attacks,” PTFoMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said in a statement.

Earlier, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) noted that 2024 marked the first year in two decades without a journalist fatality in the Philippines, a historic achievement that underscores enhanced safety for media workers.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) noted that 2024 marked the first year in two decades without a journalist fatality in the Philippines.

Reports also indicated a decline in legal harassment cases, reflecting an improving legal environment for journalists.

“This progress is a testament to our collective efforts to protect press freedom. It demonstrates that our proactive initiatives are yielding results,” Torres said.

“With the cooperation of government agencies like the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police, as well as our media partners, we will remain vigilant in defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists,” he added.

The task force chief, meanwhile, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippine media, particularly the killing on 29 April of veteran journalist Juan Dayang.

“We recognize the difficulties we continue to face, including the recent killing of veteran journalist Juan Dayang. We are deeply saddened by this incident. No Filipino, whether journalist or not, should suffer the fate of Mr. Dayang,” Torres said.

Torres assured that the Philippine National Police is actively investigating the attack.

He called on the public to join efforts in protecting press freedom, emphasizing that a free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy, guaranteeing transparency and accountability in governance.

“Every voice is crucial in defending journalistic freedom,” he stressed.