COMMITTED. A participant signs the Commitment Wall during the Metro Manila leg of a nationwide media summit organized by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security in Manila on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in a bid to promote a free and responsible press towards a safer media community. (PIA-NCR photo)

MANILA (PIA) -- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the Department of Justice's (DOJ) steadfast dedication to safeguarding the rights and security of media members during the inaugural Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Media Summit, held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

In his message, Secretary Remulla emphasized the DOJ's unwavering resolve to prosecute individuals who threaten and perpetrate violence against journalists, ensuring that such threats and acts of aggression are met with due legal process.

"The Department of Justice, in partnership with the Public Attorney's Office, remains committed to upholding the rights of journalists and ensuring that any threats or acts of violence against them are properly addressed and prosecuted," Secretary Remulla affirmed, with his message delivered by PTFoMS Executive Director and Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez. 

Around 300 journalists, information officers, and members of the academe attended the summit titled, "Promoting a Free and Responsible Press Towards a Safer Media Community."

Secretary Remulla, also the chairperson of PTFoMS, described the summit as "not just timely but also imperative," highlighting the indispensable role of a free press as "the cornerstone of our democracy." He noted that a free press serves to illuminate the darkest corners of society, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

He, however, urged media practitioners to exercise their freedom with responsibility, cautioning against the dissemination of fake news, sensationalism, and unchecked information that can mislead and endanger lives.

"The future of our nation's informed discourse rests on your shoulders. Let us remember that responsibility does not hinder freedom but rather enhances it," he said. 

"Together, let us champion a free and responsible media community where truth thrives, and the rights of every Filipino, including our media practitioners, are upheld and protected," he added.

For her part, Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta also emphasized the importance of media members understanding the law to avoid confrontations. 

She lamented that some media professionals have paid the ultimate price due to conflicts with influential and powerful individuals.

"Members of the media need to know the law so they avoid getting caught in the anger of those they clash against," Acosta said, appealing to those with grievances against the media to seek legal recourse instead of resorting to violence.

PTFoMS Executive Director Gutierrez, meanwhile, announced that the Media Summit is just the first installment in a series of events. 

The next leg of the summit will take place in Davao next month, followed by sessions in Tagaytay City and Subic in Zambales before the year end. (PIA-NCR)