The government has reactivated its Media Security Vanguards as part of its preparation for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
This initiative, led by the Presidential Task Force for Media Security (PTFoMS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), is a proactive response to the urgent need for protective measures for journalists and media workers, ensuring they can continue carrying out their roles without fear of violence or intimidation.
"With the launch of the Media Vanguards initiative, we are taking significant strides toward ensuring the safety of our journalists, who play a crucial role in defending and promoting press freedom in the country," PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said in his remarks.
Other government agencies in partnership with the PTFoMS and the PNP include the Presidential Communications Office, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Commission on Elections.
These agencies have expressed their support for the PTFoMS and for the welfare and security of journalists and media workers.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Ad-Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz echoed the support of government agencies for the PTFoMS and emphasized its importance in ensuring security for journalists.
“You are all here to enhance the safety of our local media workers who constitute the fourth estate or the media. The role of the media is to ask questions, to clarify issues, to give information and knowledge. Media people are the messengers of the news and bearers of opinion,” he said.
Ruiz noted the number of deaths of journalists in the line of duty and the recent record of zero deaths in 2024 under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We would like to thank PTFoMS for that and the PNP and DOJ for ensuring the safety of the media people…. It is an accomplishment that we should be proud of,” he said.
Ruiz said the Media Security Vanguards initiative will ensure that the zero deaths of journalists will be maintained, especially in the upcoming elections.
“You are vital contacts for media security within the PNP PIO of every province and city. You are the initial responders to threats against our journalist giving them timely action and protection,” he said.
The PCO chief also urged partner government agencies to address cases of violence against members of the media.
“Let us all shield our journalists so they can continue their work as messengers of the news and vessels of public opinion. They are a vital force in our democracy. Their voices and views must be protected that will ensure that we have a democracy in this land we all love,” Ruiz stressed.