Albay: The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), together with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), has bolstered protection measures for journalists, recognizing them as 'human rights defenders' during the Stakeholders' Dialogue for Media Safety held on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, CHR chief of the Strategic Communications Division, Marc Louis Siapno, highlighted the pivotal role of journalists in exposing violations and demanding accountability. Siapno stated that journalists are acknowledged as human rights defenders due to the nature of their work, which involves uncovering the truth and holding violators accountable. The forum serves as a mechanism for the CHR to directly engage with journalists, offering institutional support, particularly when media workers face threats and dangers.
The activity forms part of the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, aimed at establishing stronger protections for media workers through coordinated national and regional initiatives, in collaboration with agencies such as the PTFoMS. The Bicol forum marks the fourth leg of a nationwide consultation series, following engagements in Dumaguete, Baguio, and Pagadian City, with a final session planned in the National Capital Region involving national media organizations.
Siapno indicated that insights gathered from these regional consultations will be consolidated to shape a more responsive and inclusive national action plan. He emphasized the need for concrete outcomes from the consultations, stating that the CHR aims to develop actionable plans beyond mere dialogue.
The initiative, launched last year, seeks to create a comprehensive understanding of media safety across the country through ongoing engagement with regional and national media organizations. Siapno also highlighted the CHR's role as a bridge between the public, media, and government institutions, stressing the importance of strengthening coordination with partner agencies to improve reporting and response mechanisms for harassment cases.
Meanwhile, PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. stressed the importance of addressing specific concerns raised by media practitioners. The government is also implementing capacity-building initiatives, including workshops and training sessions, to help journalists address threats, particularly in high-risk or public settings. Torres emphasized that ensuring journalists' safety remains a priority for the Marcos administration, underscoring the need for tailored and responsive actions based on the situation on the ground.
