BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Visayas leg of the Media Safety Roadshow Series will kick off today at the Smallville 21 Hotel in this city.
The above event is an initiative of the convenors of the 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit, which is designed to promote the safety and security of journalists across various regions in the Philippines.
The series aims to raise awareness about the risks faced by media practitioners, provide practical training on safety measures, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to create a safer environment for journalists.
Like many regions in the country, media impunity in Iloilo City is also a serious concern. Due to the lack of accountability and punishment for those who commit crimes against journalists, the situation leads to a climate of fear and self-censorship among media professionals.
The Visayas leg of the roadshow series will gather participants from mainstream media, press associations, media-citizen council, campus journalists, and HR networks especially those who have participated in 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit (PPASJ) activities such as the formation of Provincial Safety Networks.
Launched on November 23, 2019, the PPASJ lays down action points and recommendations for the protection of journalists and media workers.
It likewise recommends mechanisms and platforms to coordinate efforts through partnerships to prevent, protect against, and prosecute attacks against journalists.
The first of its kind in the world, the PPASJ was developed in an inclusive, participatory, and stakeholder-driven process by involving, aside from the media, different sectors such as government, state security forces, academia, and civil society through comprehensive consultations across the country from November 7, 2018.
The PPASJ adheres to the spirit and intent of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity launched in 2012 and fully recognizes its assertion that “the safety of journalists and the struggle against impunity for their killers are essential to preserving the fundamental right to Freedom of Expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Some key components of the roadshow series include workshops and training sessions covering digital security, physical safety, legal rights, and emergency response procedures for journalists.
The series features expert speakers and facilitators from various fields, including experienced journalists, legal experts, cybersecurity specialists, and representatives from press freedom organizations.
The roadshow series also provides a platform for journalists, media organizations, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders to network and collaborate to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility in ensuring the safety of journalists./PN
