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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
May 13, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos’ media security task force yesterday expressed “serious concern” over the reported incidents of harassment that targeted journalists during the midterm polls and vowed to pursue charges against those who put the lives of members of media at risk.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said it is investigating such incidents with the Philippine National Police’s Media Security Vanguards and would take appropriate action in coordination with media groups.
“Such acts undermine press freedom and the essential role of the media in a democratic society,” PTFOMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said in a statement.
“We do not tolerate attacks on media professionals who are performing their duties as responsible citizens during the elections. We will vigorously pursue cases against those found to be endangering the lives of journalists,” he added.
The task force cited the attack on the vehicle of the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club in Sagay, Camiguin on May 10, which is now being investigated by the police; the reported slingshot threat against a news crew from TV 48 and radio dwNE in Nueva Ecija by a member of a barangay peacekeeping action team and “aggressive actions” by a village chief; the alleged intimidation of Quezon City radio reporter Rambo Labay by a group of men while he was covering vote buying claims.
“These incidents have been formally reported to authorities and the PTFOMS is reviewing them for potential legal action against the perpetrators,” the task force said.
The PTFOMS said it has recorded three incidents of possible election-related media threats as of election day.
“Historically, the Philippines has faced numerous media-related challenges during elections, with journalists frequently encountering harassment and threats. These issues underscore the critical need for robust protection measures and the urgent implementation of accountability mechanisms to safeguard press freedom,” the task force said.
“The PTFOMS remains dedicated to ensuring a secure environment for media practitioners and upholding democratic values during this critical period.”
Torres urged the public and media practitioners who witness or experience threats to press freedom or journalist safety to report such incidents promptly.
Media personnel may report incidents of harassment and attacks through the PTFOMS incident report form available online (https://forms.gle/hNizuXw7AhPn5DnN9) or through the QR code on the task force’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PTFoMS).
‘Report fake news’
In a separate statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) called on the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any form of election-related fake news, misinformation and disinformation through hotlines, email and social media channels.
PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz said authorities have acted swiftly against early attempts to peddle false information as part of the government’s intensified efforts to ensure clean and credible polls.
“No one should spread fake news because the vote is critical. The election is very critical. That is the foundation of a democracy like the Philippines,” Ruiz said.
Misleading or false content that may affect the integrity of the midterm polls may be reported through 0991-481-4225 (DITO), 0966-976-5971 (Globe) and 0947-714-7105 (Smart).
Reports may also be sent through email ([email protected]), Facebook Messenger (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) and website www.cicc.gov.ph.
Increased security
Acting on the instructions of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP units beefed up security at canvassing centers nationwide yesterday evening.
Noting the hours after the closing of polling precincts at 7 p.m. are critical, Marbil said they are not taking any chances as he ordered the deployment of more police officers in facilities where the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will count the ballots.
“That’s where our police will focus, to really secure the counting machines,” he told reporters in an interview. — Emmanuel Tupas
