National Press Club (NPC) President Leonel Abasola voiced the group’s full support for a new agreement signed between the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS). The pact aims to reinforce legal and institutional support for journalists who continue to face threats and violence in the line of duty.

Abasola reminded law enforcement agencies and local governments that they have a responsibility to respect the role of the press in telling all sides of a story, rather than silencing reporters through intimidation.

“Violence happens when only one side is heard,” Abasola said. “If you feel mistreated by a journalist’s report, reach out to the NPC or the PTFoMS. We will call the reporter’s attention. Journalists should always give the other side a chance to be heard.”

He shared that the NPC has been highlighting the mandate of the task force during regional events and that local officials can count on the club’s help to defuse tension when disputes arise between public servants and media practitioners.

“As we go around the country, promoting NPC thrust for regionalization, we always tell our colleagues in the provinces that they can inform us, PTFOMS and PAO for help in case there are threats in their lives,” said Abasola.

The new Memorandum of Agreement, signed on Friday, signals a stronger working relationship between the PAO and PTFoMS at a time when the climate for Filipino journalists remains volatile, with local and foreign media watchdogs repeatedly sounding alarms over attacks on the press.

At the ceremony, PAO Chief Persida Acosta reminded public officials that journalists are entitled to due process and protection, not persecution.

She said the PAO has defended numerous journalists during her more than two decades at the helm of the agency, helping many clear their names or fight legal harassment because of their vital role in a democracy.

“A free press is the key to development and transparency,” she said. “If we silence the media, the public will never learn of abuses, mismanagement, or the misuse of public funds. Government must be open to scrutiny, especially if it has nothing to hide.”

Acosta also stressed that every person’s right to life must be upheld equally, especially for journalists who, she said, “bring light to public service.”

For his part, PTFoMS Executive Director Joe Torres Jr. welcomed the renewed partnership and highlighted its purpose of sending a clear message that attacks against journalists have no place in a free society.

“In a democracy, a free and vibrant press is essential to informing the public, holding power to account, and shaping the national discourse,” Torres said. “However, we continue to face violence, threats, and intimidation that require a united and concerted response.”

Torres thanked Acosta for her “unwavering dedication” to defending journalists and said the continued partnership would bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute threats against the media.

“This MOA renewal reaffirms our mission to protect media workers, uphold the rule of law, and promote accountability,” he added.