Government efforts in battling media killings remain unabated

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. answers questions from the media in a press briefing on Malacanang Friday when he advised people to remain vigilant until the exit of Typhoon Yolanda from the Philippine area of responsibility. He also commended the people along the typhoon path for heeding the call of the government to evacuate and take the necessary precautions as the typhoon approached. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — The government is laying down reforms to promote protection of journalists, a Palace official said on Sunday.

“Pagtunton at pagkumpiska sa loose firearms, pagpapahusay sa kapabilidad ng mga alagad ng batas, pagpapatatag sa sistema ng katarungan, pagsuporta sa pagpapalaganap ng media ethics and standards—‘yan ang mga haligi ng programa ng pamahalaan upang mapigil ang karahasan laban sa mga mamamahayag,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a press briefing over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The latest journalist killed was Nilo Baculo Sr., 67, a broadcaster from Capalan, Mindoro. He is the host of the radio program “Isumbong Mo Kay Ka Nilo” at the local radio station dwIM.

Baculo was reported to be the 29th journalist to be killed since 2010.

Coloma assured the public that the government is stepping up measures to protect journalists in coordination with the National Press Club and other concerned entities.

“Patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan at nakikipagtulungan ang pamahalaan sa National Press Club at iba pang samahang nakatuon sa pangangalaga ng karapatan ng mga mamamahayag upang labanan at wakasan ang karahasang humantong sa pagpaslang at pagsugat sa mga kasapi ng kanilang hanay,” said Coloma.