Bongbong Marcos names journalist Paul Gutierrez as new chief of media security TF

Paul Gutierrez

Updated @ 22:49 p.m., May 22, 2023

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed multi-awarded journalist and media practitioner Paul Gutierrez as the new chief of his media security task force.

Paul Gutierrez is the new executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), as confirmed by Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Monday.

Gutierrez will replace Joel Sy Egco.

Gutierrez has served in the National Press Club as its president and director for two terms and then secretary.

He has been in the media industry for more than two decades with experience as a veteran field reporter for the Journal Group since 1998 and a columnist since 2005.

Gutierrez will be the third former NPC president to be appointed to government service in the last eight years, after Benny Antiporda and Egco.

The task force was under Administrative Order No. 1 by President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 11, 2016, to ensure the safety and security of all media workers.

As the task force is under the Office of the President, Gutierrez will be taking his guidance and instructions from Secretary Garafil and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, co-chairs of the task force, as provided for under the order.

“I am honored for the appointment and the trust and confidence bestowed on me by Pres. Marcos Jr. His decision not to abolish the PTFoMS and instead allow it to continue with its mandate of protecting the right to life, liberty, and security of all media workers speaks strongly of his and his administration’s commitment to a free and responsible press in our country,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

“Rest assured that the PTFoMS shall do its part to deliver on our people’s expectation,” he added.

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