Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 22) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recognizes the importance of journalists to democracy and regards their welfare as a top priority of the government, says the Office of the Press Secretary.
Marcos is “strongly committed to the protection and safety of members of the media in the country,” OPS officer-in-charge Usec. Cheloy Garafil emphasized on Saturday.
“Makaaasa kayo na ang ating Pangulo, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, ay patuloy ang pagkilala sa hanay ng media bilang importanteng haligi ng ating demokrasya,” Garafil told journalists in a dialogue organized by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.
[Translation: Be assured that President Ferdinand R. Marcos continues to acknowledge the media as a vital pillar of our democracy.]
“Patuloy ang commitment niya na kayo ay proteksyonan at kilalanin ang inyong important role sa nation-building,” she added.
[Translation: He remains committed in protecting you and recognizing the important role you play in nation-building.]
Garafil, a reporter-turned-lawyer, stated that she is still a member of the media, but in a “different capacity,” alluding to her current role in government service.
The OPS chief was invited to the conference after several journalists were alarmed by unannounced visits from police personnel.
READ: NUJP: Surprise visits to journalists’ homes raise privacy, safety concerns
DILG Sec. Abalos has since apologized, saying he believes that local police only wanted to ramp up its efforts to safeguard members of the media, following the killing of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid in Las Piñas City earlier this month.
READ: DILG chief apologizes over ‘surprise visits’ to journalists, calls for dialogue on procedure
The OPS echoed this, underscoring that “the implementation of unannounced security strategy was aimed at ensuring the safety of media members in the wake of the murder of [Lapid].”
The 63-year-old Lapid while aboard his car was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men.
The suspected gunman already surrendered to authorities while the alleged middleman linked to the still-unknown mastermind behind the murder has died, authorities announced Thursday.
