Adi Joaquim Tolentino

The government officially relaunched the Philippine National Police (PNP) Media Security Vanguards program to bolster the safety of media workers ahead of the 2025 midterm elections on May 12.

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net.

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rolando Puno, speaking on behalf of Secretary Jonvic Remulla at the launch event held at the Philippine Information Agency Auditorium in Quezon City on April 8, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring swift responses to threats against journalists, especially as risks heighten during the election season.

“As vital players in shaping the nation's future, they help the public make informed decisions by fact-checking, influencing public opinion, and holding politicians and candidates accountable.  However, this critical role also exposes them to significant risks that could endanger their lives,” Puno said.

The Media Security Vanguards, originally created in 2020, have been reactivated to respond to the heightened risk media workers face during election periods. 

The program will deploy police personnel trained to coordinate closely with PTFoMS special agents to facilitate swift investigations and resolve cases of violence or intimidation targeting journalists.

PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, in a message delivered by Police Brigadier General Marlou Roy Alzate, reaffirmed the PNP’s dedication to protecting media freedom. 

“Our goal is clear: no journalist should feel unsafe while doing their job; the PNP will ensure that every threat is taken seriously and acted upon swiftly,” Marbil said.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz and PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. also attended the event in which Torres described the program as a proactive response to the “urgent need” to shield journalists from harm.

'Your commitment to reporting the truth and your courage in the phase of adversity cannot be overstated,'' Torres said in his message during the launch, as he encouraged members of the press to promptly report any security concerns to the Vanguards.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Commission on Elections as it seeks to curb the culture of impunity and foster a safer working environment for Filipino journalists, particularly in the lead-up to a politically sensitive national event.