PTFoMS partners with PNP, AFP, KBP for media security, safety

MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has forged a closer collaboration with the police and the military, as well as the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), to ensure the safety and security of the Philippine media.

During the Laging Handa Program, PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez said the partnerships with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the KBP are part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to provide media workers a safe environment.

“Ang PTFOMS po ay naririto para po kayo ay alalayan na magkaroon po tayo ng safe environment sa paggampan po sa ating trabaho (The PTFoMS is here to assist you and give you a safe environment as you do your job),” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said the PTFoMs and the PNP have agreed to establish the “Media Security Messaging System” to ensure the immediate and appropriate action to all reported incidents of media threats, harassments and killings.

He added that the PNP has also activated its standard protocol of creating a special investigation task group that will handle cases involving media workers.

Gutierrez noted that the PTFoMS is also working with the AFP to protect the press, especially those who are deployed in “critical areas” where their lives may be put in peril.

He said there is also an agreement with the KBP to create a mechanism aimed at addressing the grievances against members of the press by local officials.

He said the latest move will serve as a deterrent to crimes perpetrated against media workers.

“Para po kumbaga hindi na po lumaki ‘yung gusot, hindi na po lumaki ‘yung misunderstanding nila, hindi na po lumaki ‘yung problema, we thought po na sa pamamagitan po ng dayalogo ay