The presidential task force on media security (ptfoms) is stepping up security measures to protect journalists and media workers covering the first parliamentary elections in the bangsamoro autonomous region in muslim mindanao (barmm) on sept. 14. in an interview on the bagong pilipinas ngayon program aired over state-run ptv-4:un PTV-4, PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said the task force has conducted about 10 orientation sessions and security training workshops for media practitioners who will cover the elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, Torres said the PTFoMS also conducted a security assessment in BARMM and coordinated with politicians, candidates, security forces, and media organizations to assess the situation and ensure the safety of journalists deployed to election areas. "Mayroong mga napapabalitang mga ilang pangyayari doon subalit ito naman po ay localized at hindi naman po na-involve 'yung mga kasamahan natin sa media. We also made sure na may mga pre-election assessment po tayo (There have been reports of some incidents there, but these have been localized and have not involved our colleagues in the media. We also made sure that pre-election assessments are conducted) before they are deployed," he said.
Torres stated that media monitoring centers and quick reaction teams will be established in Marawi and Cotabato cities during the election period to immediately respond to security concerns involving journalists. The teams will be composed of representatives from the PTFoMS, Commission on Elections, Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation. He said the teams will be prepositioned on the ground to assist journalists who may become stranded, threatened, or otherwise require help during the polls.
'Para kapag may nangyari - huwag naman sana - nandoon kaagad tayo sa ground to hopefully kung may hindi makaalis sa lugar ay ma-rescue, kung may pangyayari ay ma-address kaagad natin (So if something happens - God forbid - we can immediately be on the ground to rescue anyone who may be unable to leave the area and promptly address the incident),' he said. The PTFoMS has also established a hotline and an online incident report form where media workers can report threats and other security concerns, Torres said.
In coordination with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center, the task force will also conduct live online monitoring two days before and two days after the elections, as well as on election day, to address online harassment, threats, and other cyber-related concerns. Torres said lawyers, volunteers, and the Public Attorney's Office are likewise prepared to assist media workers who may need to pursue legal action over threats, harassment, or other violations.
Meanwhile, Torres reminded journalists, particularly those working in provincial radio stations, to practice responsible and ethical journalism when covering candidates and political personalities. He urged journalists to avoid being used by politicians to attack their opponents, saying this could expose media workers to threats and other security risks. 'Hindi naman natin sinasabi na hindi dapat i-criticize ang mga tumatakbo o kaya ay namumuno, subalit kailangan pong maging responsable tayo sa ating kritisismo lalung-lalo na 'yung mga ilang kasamahan natin sa media (We are not saying that candidates or those in government should not be criticized, but we need to be responsible in our criticism, especially as members of the media),' Torres said.
