MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Tuesday reactivated the Media Security Vanguard “to enhance the safety of all media workers”, especially as the 2025 midterm elections draws closer.

First launched in 2022, the initiative is a framework designed to respond to threats against journalists.

“The role of media is to ask questions… They are an important part of democracy,” Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz said.

“Let us all shield our journalists so that they can continue their work as messengers… Their voices must be protected,” he said.

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With the Media Security Vanguard, various government agencies are mandated to have “proactive responses to the urgent need for protective measure for journalists and media workers,” said PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr.

“Your commitment to report the truth and courage to face adversity cannot be overstated,” he said.

“Ang mga pulitiko na tumatakbo ngayon sa halalan dapat alam nila ang role ng media. Dapat hindi sila onion skinned,” he added.

The PTFoMS is coordinating with the Department of Justice, the Commission on Elections as well as local and international human rights groups to improve the security of media workers in the Philippines, Torres said.

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Ruiz said there were no members of the media killed in 2024, which he labeled as an achievement of the Marcos Jr. administration.