CHR, PTFoMS ink pact to boost probe into attacks vs media workers

This photo, taken on June 8, 2021, shows the facade of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) signed a memorandum of agreement on Wednesday to strengthen coordination in investigating violence, harassment, and red-tagging against media workers.

The memorandum of agreement aims to bolster their measures through a “more coordinated and stronger approach” in investigation, response, and assistance between the two agencies on cases of violence against journalists.

“To ensure this agreement produces results, we adopt clear and insurable targets. For example, reductions in unresolved attacks, faster response times to reported threats, increased special cases prosecuted, and expanded coverage of safety training across regions,” PTFoMS Executive Director Jose Torres, Jr. said in a news briefing.

CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said the partnership would allow greater sharing of information and evidence between the two agencies without overlapping their mandates.

“We’ve [both] been doing it independently, but now it would be more coordinated… The distinction is PTFormS is [centered] on accountability of perpetrators… and criminal liability. And CHR is focused on investigating human rights violations,” he added.

The CHR is an independent constitutional body, while PTFoMS operates under the Office of the President (OP).

Torres also vowed that cases of red-tagging, including all other forms of vilification against media workers, would not be an exception.

Red-tagging refers to broad, baseless allegations by authorities that label individuals or groups as members or supporters of communist rebels.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), another government body under the OP, has also linked media workers such as broadcast journalist Atom Araullo to the communist insurgency.

In 2024, a Quezon City court ruled in favor of broadcast journalist Atom Araullo in a civil case against former NTF-Elcac officials Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, finding they abused their freedom of expression by red-tagging him and causing severe distress.

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Other key provisions of the agreement include providing legal and psychosocial support to victims and their families, as well as mobilizing resources to implement initiatives.

Torres said PTFoMS is currently reviewing nearly 200 cases of violence and harassment against journalists to determine if they are work-related and to act accordingly./mcm