THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Saturday said that threats against journalists were evolving, and now include misinformation, online harassment, cyberbullying and pressure from powerful entities.

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“Addressing these challenges demands heightened vigilance and rapid response mechanisms. It also requires an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in reporting,” the PTFOMS said in a statement as the country observes National Press Freedom Day.

”It is imperative that media organizations and practitioners reinforce ethical standards, maintain impartiality and remain steadfast in their dedication to truthful and accurate reporting,” it added.

The task force cited its accomplishments, which include strengthening the Philippines’ press freedom index and proactive responses to reports of harassment. It noted that a year has passed without media-related killings.

The PTFOMS said it is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies and media organizations to proactively address threats and ensure the safety of journalists.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), along with other media groups, has renewed their call to the government to free Tacloban-based community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been detained for five years on charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism.

”National Press Freedom Day should be a time to proudly celebrate the work of journalists in the Philippines. Yet with one journalist still detained simply for doing her job, it serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges reporters continue to face. Press freedom is about defending the integrity of journalism and upholding the democratic principles the Philippines claims to champion,” read a joint statement by the NUJP, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists and Free Press Unlimited released on Friday.