Only 75 out of 199 recorded media killings in the Philippines since 1986 were “work-related,” according to Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) executive director Jose Torres Jr.
“We are reviewing the 199 cases. So far, out of 199, only 75 are work-related, and that already includes the 32 victims of the Maguindanao massacre,” he said.
He explained that some cases were initially misclassified, noting that not all killings were related to the victims’ professional work. Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Torres said there have been around seven media-related killings.
The PTFoMS, which operates under the Office of the President, focuses on investigating cases of media killings and harassment. It has existing agreements with the Public Attorney’s Office and the Commission on Human Rights to provide legal and psychosocial assistance to journalists.
The task force is also supporting the passage of the proposed Media Workers Welfare Bill, which seeks to guarantee minimum wage protection and extend other benefits, including overtime pay and insurance coverage for journalists, correspondents and stringers.
Under the measure, Torres said media workers assigned to cover stories in distant locations should also be entitled to receive the minimum wage applicable in their area of deployment, on top of reimbursement for food and other necessary expenses.
In the coming weeks, the PTFoMS will conduct several training workshops for journalists focusing on coverage of disasters, protests, and other high-risk events.
Torres said the programs are part of efforts to strengthen the safety of media workers, photographers, and cameramen frequently deployed to hazardous environments.
Earlier workshops have already been held across Mindanao, including Cotabato, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro. For Luzon and Visayas, the workshops will focus on disaster-related reporting such as floods and earthquakes, where journalists are often among the first responders on the scene.
A workshop for photographers and cameramen will also be held from 18 to 19 November.
“We will teach them how to cover fires, disasters, and other emergencies safely, following proper protocols so they can do their jobs without risking their lives,” Torres said.
