Pasay city: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have entered into a formal agreement to enhance cooperation in tackling media attacks and killings. The memorandum of agreement was signed by PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. and NBI Director Melvin Matibag, aiming to bolster media security and safety through improved collaboration in resolving cases involving harassed or slain media workers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PTFoMS shared images of the signing ceremony on social media, which took place at the NBI office in Pasay City. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cooperation in investigating attacks, threats, and killings directed at journalists in the country. The partnership is focused on enhancing coordination, intelligence sharing, and case buildup efforts, while promoting proactive measures to ensure the safety and protection of media practitioners.
The memorandum underscores the government's ongoing commitment to uphold press freedom and protect media members against violence and intimidation. PTFoMS continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to create a safe environment for media workers, enabling them to perform their roles as watchdogs without fear.
In his World Press Freedom Day message on May 3, Torres emphasized the PTFoMS' dedication to safeguarding journalists' rights and upholding freedom of expression. The Philippines' position in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index improved, rising to 114th out of 180 nations, marking the highest ranking in 21 years.
Torres assured media workers of continued efforts to enhance the legal framework for journalists, addressing the misuse of defamation laws and protecting media workers from unfounded charges. He also committed to addressing issues related to red-tagging, disinformation, and alleged targeting of independent media outlets, highlighting the importance of journalists in promoting accountability and truth.
Torres emphasized the need to combat disinformation driven by political polarization through media literacy and support for factual reporting.
