The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) strongly condemned Monday the harassment of a television reporter, who was subjected to intimidation and aggressive behavior by protesters while covering a rally in Mendiola over the weekend.
News 5 reporter Gary de Leon was about to make a live report amid the chaos in the area Sunday but demonstrators suddenly shouted vulgarities and accusations against him, disrupting his broadcast.
Several protesters also attempted to block the camera view and physically confronted him, pushing and jostling as he tried to perform his duties.
Police in the area intervened and de Leon managed to relocate to a safer area and continued his coverage despite the hostile environment.
“No journalist should ever be subjected to intimidation, threats, or obstruction while performing their duty to deliver truthful and timely information to the public,” PTFoMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. said in a statement Monday.
“We strongly condemn this blatant harassment of Gary de Leon and underscore that such acts threaten press freedom and the safety of media workers,” Torres added, stressing that “journalists must be able to work without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Torres also commended the police officers present who acted swiftly to secure the reporter.
“Their immediate actions prevented further escalation and demonstrated the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the media,” he said.
The task force vowed to remain vigilant in coordination with the Philippine National Police Media Vanguards to address threats against journalists.
“We call on all sectors to respect the vital role of the media and to work together in ensuring a safe environment for journalists,” Torres said.
Sunday’s demonstrations were part of nationwide anti-corruption rallies sparked by allegations of irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
While most protests were peaceful, incidents of violence were reported near Malacañang, including in Mendiola, resulting in clashes with police and several arrests. (PNA)
