CHR hopes ‘media security vanguards’ will protect journalists in Eleksyon 2022

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it is hoping that the designation of “media security vanguards” will address violence and threats against journalists in Eleksyon 2022.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia supported the move of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to designate security forces in ensuring reduced violence against media workers.

De Guia said this would provide protection to media workers, adding that the move recognizes the “dangers and challenges that beset journalists in the exercise of their duties.”

“In recent years, they have been subjected to unrelenting intimidations, threats, and even violence or killings. The hostile environment has created a chilling effect to many media workers, which also caused a huge blow to press freedom,” the CHR spokesperson said in a statement.

“During election period, when reporting facts and truths are even more expedient, many media workers face heightened risks and threats. CHR is hopeful that the designation of dedicated security will ensure the reduction of violence and threats against media workers towards creating a more conducive environment for press freedom,” she added.

De Guia said the commission also trusts that the implementation of the initiative shall adhere with rule of law and due process.

The PNP earlier said at least 1,899 police officials are set to serve as media security vanguards during the 2022 election period.

If media workers have concerns such as threats against them, they can coordinate with the focal persons from the PNP.

Asked if the program would provide security details to media workers under threat, PTFoMS executive director Joel Sy Egco said the task force could request them. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News