CHR launches probe into shooting of Laguna journalist

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said  that it is investigating the gun attack against a journalist in Laguna last Monday.

“Attacks made against media workers are attacks on the fundamental right of all to freedom of expression, speech, and our access to truth, through reliable sources of information,” the CHR said in a statement.

Journalist Marc Angelo Barrios, a reporter of Laguna Patrol, was reportedly targeted by two motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Barrios, however, did not sustain any gunshot, although his motorcycle was damaged.

The Philippines ranked 134th among 180 countries in terms of press freedom.

Press organization Reporters Without Borders said in its report that while there are less attacks on journalists during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s administration, the attacks are still “worrisome”.

“Harassment by means of threats and “red-tagging” persists, while defamation and cyber-defamation are still punishable by prison sentences,” the press organization added.

The CHR commended the efforts of Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PFToMS) for handling the case.

PFToMS on Thursday said that they requested the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police for a deeper probe into the shooting incident.

CHR called on the government to “ensure that a safe environment is accessible to all Filipinos as they report about the truth.”

The human rights body also urged the media community to report cases of attacks and threats through their Alisto!Alert Mechanism, an initiative to protect the welfare of media workers in the country.