Presidential Task Force on Media Security Executive Director, Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco (File photo) MANILA - Describing it as journalists' "first line of defense," Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), has welcomed the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to designate officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as Media Security Focal Persons in each province and city nationwide. "With the elections fast approaching, we are very grateful to DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya for this welcome and important development in our quest to protect the life, liberty and security of media workers," Egco said in a news release on Wednesday. He added that "this is a significant milestone to shield journalists from threats and other forms of violence throughout the archipelago." Egco earlier cited the increasing incid
PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco MANILA - Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco has welcomed the operationalization of the DWPF 92.1 Gimpong FM Station in Tabuk City as a testament to the relentless efforts of the government to bring vital information to indigenous people (IP) in far-flung areas. During the inauguration of the radio station in Tabuk City, Kalinga on Wednesday, Egco stressed the need to replicate this project in all IP communities from "Luzon to Mindanao". He emphasized the importance of information in modern society and that putting into operation DWPF 92.10 Gimpong under Radyo Pilipinas of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is a step in the right direction to allow IPs in the region to be heard and to safeguard their press freedom. "It is only through information can we truly understand our people, the journeys we take, the lessons we learn,
MANILA - The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is in high gear as it celebrated Monday its 5th year anniversary as the forefront agency of the government in defending press freedom by protecting the life, liberty and security of media workers in the Philippines. As one of President Rodrigo Duterte's legacies to the Filipino people, the PTFoMS was created on Oct. 11, 2016 as an inter-agency task force dedicated to ensure the safety of journalists against threats and violence - the very first in the world. Through the "whole-of-government" approach that now characterizes the way the Duterte Administration has effectively handled important social issues - a unified effort between government agencies to maximize all available resources to achieve its goals - the task force has come a long way from its very humble beginnings. Citing the achievements in the last five years, Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, Executive Director of the PTFoMS, said the agency will