MANILA, March 13, 2026 — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has expressed deep concern over recent incidents involving harassment and legal actions against Filipino journalists.
Reports suggest that journalist Regine Cabato and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism have become targets of a coordinated disinformation campaign, allegedly linked to foreign actors. These reports are connected to their work exposing the circulation of purported pro-China propaganda within Philippine media and online platforms.
“Any effort to suppress media reporting through intimidation or foreign interference is a serious affront to press freedom and democratic accountability,” PTFOMS said.
The Task Force also cited recent legal actions against prominent journalists Misael “Boy” Gonzales Jr. of DZRH and Felix Laban of DZME Radyo Uno TV. Gonzales was taken into custody over an alleged breach of the Data Privacy Act, while Laban secured bail with the assistance of PTFOMS.
“Harassment through legal charges, disinformation, or other threats hampers journalists from performing their duty to inform the public,” the Task Force noted.
PTFOMS confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with media organizations and law enforcement to ensure that journalists in the Philippines can operate safely and freely.
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