The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure the safety and security of journalists online.
Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS Executive Director, said the “strategic alliance aims to address and mitigate the growing cybercrime threats and harassment faced by media workers.”
He noted that as digital platforms become essential tools for journalism, the risk to media practitioners from online harassment, threats, data privacy breaches, disinformation, and cybercrimes has heightened.
The MOA seeks to extend protection to journalists in the digital sphere, ensuring the exercise of their rights to free expression and information is preserved.
The CICC, established under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA No. 10175), is mandated to enhance cybersecurity.
Through the collaboration, PTFOMS and CICC will pool their resources, expertise, and legal frameworks to provide enhanced protection against cyberattacks targeting journalists.
Under the agreement, PTFOMS and CICC will work together to address and resolve cybercrime issues concerning media personnel.
The CICC will render assistance on complaints reported by PTFOMS, ensuring expedient referrals to law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies. It will also supply digital forensic support, cyber intelligence, and technical resources to streamline investigations and ensure accountability and effective prosecution of offenders.
The collaboration will also see CICC sharing its cybersecurity expertise with PTFOMS to bolster its operational capacity in monitoring investigations.
The partnership includes coordinating with local government units, media organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to strengthen digital security measures for media workers.
Undersecretary Torres said these efforts underscore the government’s commitment to
defending press freedom by fostering a secure environment where journalists can work uninhibited by cyber threats.
He said individuals perpetrating online attacks on media workers will face due consequences.
The enhanced protection across physical and digital domains exemplifies the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration’s dedication to democratic values that reject violence against journalists, encourage the unrestricted movement of information, and uphold the importance of the press.
“This partnership marks a progressive step toward nurturing a society where ethical journalism and responsible reporting flourish,” said Undersecretary Torres.
Contact Information:
PTFOMS Hotline: 09650310377
CICC Hotline: 1326