Manila: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday welcomed a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stating that no Filipino journalist was killed in 2024, calling it a significant step in efforts to ensure media safety in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. recognized the "hard work and dedication" of stakeholders in upholding the principles of press freedom and protecting the lives of media professionals. Torres highlighted that the reported absence of journalist killings in 2024 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, media organizations, and civil society, in promoting a safer environment for the press.

Torres emphasized the ongoing nature of the fight for media security, noting that threats to journalists persist in various forms, such as online harassment and intimidation. He assured that PTFoMS remains vigilant and committed to monitoring and addressing all forms of threats and harassment against journalists.

Furthermore, Torres reaffirmed the task force's commitment to investigating all reported cases of threats and violence against journalists. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies, enhancing awareness and education programs on media security and safety, and improving mechanisms for reporting incidents.

Torres also called on media organizations and journalists to collaborate with authorities in maintaining a "safe and secure environment" for journalism, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any threats against media professionals. He reiterated PTFoMS's dedication to upholding the constitutional guarantee of press freedom, ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.