PTFoMS chief term ends

Manila: Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez on Wednesday confirmed the expiration of his term, saying it takes effect ‘immediately.’

In a statement, Gutierrez expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for giving him the opportunity to lead the PTFoMS for more than a year.

‘I thanked Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for the opportunity to serve under his administration even for the brief duration of 1 year and 14 weeks since my appointment on May 25, 2023,’ Gutierrez said.

‘His decision to continue with the PTFoMS is the clearest message to all that he is committed to creating a safe media environment where every member of the press can practice their profession responsibly, professionally, and without fear,’ he added.

Gutierrez also cited his accomplishments during his one-year stint at the PTFoMS, including the resolution of five violent attacks against the press that happened under the Marcos administration and two other cases of
media killings under the past administrations.

He said the PTFoMS also managed to forge agreements with the Public Attorney’s Office and the Commission on Elections for media protection and assistance, adding that the agency is also finalizing its separate deals with the Commission on Human Rights and the National Police Commission.

‘All of these are the ‘first’ to happen in the 7-year history of the PTFoMS and all of them, under the Marcos administration,’ Gutierrez said, adding that he also led the conduct of eight regional media safety summits nationwide.

Gutierrez thanked all the PTFoMS’ inter-agency partners and fellow government officials for their contributions to the agency’s ‘laudable achievements’ during his term.

‘Specifically, I thank the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), PNP (Philippine National Police), the Philippine Army, and the DOJ (Department of Justice) for their full support in our joint effort to bring justice to the victims of media killings,’ he said.

‘I thank Secretary Boyi
ng Remulla of the DOJ and PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil and Secretary Cesar Chavez, the chair and co-chair of the PTFoMS, respectively, and friends of many years. Their unstinting support made the burden of my job satisfying and bearable. The same goes to my family who has always been there as my pillar of support,’ Gutierrez added.

Gutierrez also expressed gratitude to the members of the press and the PTFoMS staff who supported him. (PNA)

Source: Philippines News Agency