The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) officially launched the Media Security Vanguards Initiative on Tuesday, aiming to bolster the protection of journalists in the lead-up to the May 2025 midterm elections.
The initiative, a collaborative effort, signifies a strengthened commitment to the safety and security of media professionals nationwide.
Undersecretary Jose Torres, executive director of PTFOMS, highlighted the initiative as a proactive measure to address the urgent need for journalist protection, especially during high-risk periods like elections.
He emphasized that specialized teams, primarily composed of PNP Public Information Officers, will be deployed to respond swiftly to threats or incidents involving media personnel.
The program also intends to fortify partnerships between law enforcement agencies and media organizations to ensure timely and effective responses to security concerns. Torres stated that the Vanguards are expected to play a proactive role in safeguarding media workers, particularly during election seasons when threats tend to escalate.
The Media Security Vanguards Initiative is a joint undertaking involving the Department of Justice, the Presidential Communications Office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Commission on Elections.
