Media task force insists existence of mechanisms protecting journos

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday insisted that there have been existing mechanisms that will protect members of the media from any violation of their right to life and security. 

“May I remind our good partners at the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) that even UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression (UNSR-FOE) Irene Khan recognized that the PTFoMS created in 2016 thru Administrative Order No. 1 (AO1) is the ‘main mechanism for the safety of journalists’ as stated in her preliminary report after the conclusion of her visit last February 2,” Undersecretary Paul M. Gutierrez, PTFoMS executive director, said in a press release.

“In fact, her opening statement was profuse in thanking the PTFoMS for its valuable assistance that led to the successful conclusion of her visit that include her consultation with the CHR,” he added. 

Gutierrez said this after the CHR urged the government to address challenges facing media workers and to provide adequate mechanisms that give way towards ensuring a safer environment in their line of work. 

Meanwhile, Gutierrez said that CHR's plan to establish a separate media alert mechanism ''should align with the current alert mechanisms of AO1 and that of AO35 to ensure its effectiveness in quickly addressing and validating all reported cases of alleged attacks against the members of the press.'' 

He said there is no need to ''reinvent the wheel'' but the need to further strengthen the existing mechanisms.

“Of course, as a critical and reliable partner, we look forward to strengthening our working relationship with the CHR, relevant government agencies and all the stakeholders in the media profession,'' he added. 

Earlier, the CHR said it would formally launch the Alisto! Alert Mechanism where journalists and media workers could report human rights violations that they experienced.

In a statement, the human rights body said that the alert mechanism would serve “to bring forth a platform for the press to directly contact the CHR regarding incidents where media workers are involved.”—AOL, GMA Integrated News