Cagayan de oro city: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday underscored the media's crucial role in promoting informed public participation, transparency, and accountability in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, the elections are scheduled for Sept. 14 in five provinces, three cities, and one Special Geographic Area within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In his message during the Safety and Security Training Workshop for Media Personnel in Cagayan de Oro City, Recto said the elections represent an important milestone in the country's pursuit of lasting peace, meaningful autonomy, and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro.
"Democracy is strengthened when citizens have access to accurate, timely, and relevant information. As journalists and media practitioners, you serve as the vital link between events on the ground and the public's understanding of the electoral process," he said.
More than 30 journalists from across Northern Mindanao who will cover the elections are taking part in the three-day training at Camp Evangelista headquarters of the Army's 4th Infantry Division in Barangay Patag. Recto said responsible election coverage helps voters make informed decisions, encourages public participation, and promotes accountability among candidates, political parties, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
He urged media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism by reporting fairly, independently, and responsibly, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before publication, providing context, distinguishing facts from opinion, and giving all concerned parties an opportunity to be heard.
"In an election environment, every headline, image, and social media post can influence public perception. Accuracy and impartiality must therefore guide every story," he said.
Recto also called on the media to help combat disinformation and misinformation, urging journalists to investigate claims, verify sources, correct false narratives, and avoid amplifying content that could incite fear, hatred, or violence.
"Truthful and responsible reporting is among our strongest defenses against attempts to manipulate the democratic process," he said.
At the same time, Recto reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting journalists and media workers, recognizing the risks they may face in the course of their duties.
"The safety and security of every journalist and media worker is a fundamental concern of this administration. A free press cannot be truly free if it operates under intimidation, harassment, or fear," he said.
Recto assured media practitioners that the government, through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), would continue to support a safe and enabling environment where they can perform their duties independently, without undue interference or reprisal, and in accordance with the law.
Recto encouraged the participants to use the workshop to strengthen their safety and security protocols, enhance coordination with relevant authorities and fellow media organizations, and prepare for the challenges of election coverage.
"Your safety must always come first," he said, urging journalists to remain vigilant, assess risks carefully, maintain regular communication with their teams, and seek assistance when necessary.
The Executive Secretary also called on government institutions, candidates, political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, and media practitioners to uphold transparency and support open, peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
"The success of the BARMM elections is a shared national responsibility," Recto said. "More than a single electoral exercise, it is an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions, reinforce public confidence, and advance the peace process."
He commended the dedication and professionalism of media workers and expressed hope that the training would help them report safely and effectively while ensuring that the voices of the Bangsamoro are heard clearly and truthfully.
"Together, let us work toward elections that are peaceful, transparent, credible, and safe-and toward a lasting peace in the region," Recto said.
