Napolcom, PTFOMs push journos’ protection

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday to strengthen the protection of journalists and uphold press freedom.

The agreement was signed by Napolcom vice chairperson and Executive Officer Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan and PTFOMS executive director and Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. at the DILG–Napolcom Center in Quezon City.

The partnership establishes mechanisms for case referral, investigation, witness protection, education, and capacity-building. It aims to improve coordination between agencies in handling threats and violence against media workers.

Calinisan said Napolcom recognizes the safety of journalists as essential to democracy and that law enforcement must uphold both strength and accountability. Torres said the agreement reinforces the government’s duty to protect media workers and ensure transparency.

Both agencies also reaffirmed guidelines ensuring courtesy and nonviolence toward media practitioners, prohibiting red-tagging, and maintaining open communication between the police and journalists.

Under the agreement, Napolcom and PTFOMS will also conduct joint training programs and develop educational materials on media rights and protection.

The memorandum also reinforces compliance with the Data Privacy Act and Administrative Order 1, series of 2016, which created the PTFOMS to safeguard press freedom.