CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard press freedom and protect media workers, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), in partnership with Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), held a Media Conference on Safety and Security During Elections on May 6, 2025, at De Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
Led by PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., the conference gathered key representatives from PRO10, the Commission on Elections Region 10, and the Cagayan de Oro Press Club to reinforce security protocols and media protection measures in preparation for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
A major highlight of the conference was the reactivation of the Media Security Vanguards—specially trained police units tasked with responding swiftly to any threats, intimidation, or violence targeting journalists. These vanguards will serve as frontliners in ensuring that media practitioners, particularly those in vulnerable or high-risk areas, can work safely and without fear.
Undersecretary Torres emphasized the national government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of local journalists. “When the President appointed me, klaro iyang gisulti nga kinahanglan proteksyonan, bantayan ang local media. As much as possible ang prayoridad karon mao ang community media,” Torres said. He added that plans are underway to hold safety workshops for media practitioners in the near future.
On May 7, 2025, PRO10 officially activated its Media Action Center (MAC) at Camp Alagar to further support media operations across Northern Mindanao. The MAC is designed to enhance transparency and streamline communication between the police and accredited media practitioners during the election season. Operating 24/7, the center will serve as a hub for real-time updates, verified information, and official police statements concerning election-related incidents and security developments.
Managed jointly by the Public Information Office (PIO) and Election Monitoring Action Centers (EMAC), the MAC will coordinate closely with local police stations and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices throughout Region 10. Accredited journalists are encouraged to regularly coordinate with the PIO and provincial police offices for timely access to official data and statements.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman reaffirmed the region’s support for PTFoMS initiatives and emphasized the importance of transparency in the electoral process. “The Media Action Center will serve as a crucial platform for transparency and real-time communication. We call on our media partners to help us deliver the truth to the public, combat misinformation and disinformation, and foster an informed electorate,” he said.
The twin initiatives—the reactivation of Media Security Vanguards and the launch of the Media Action Center—are part of PRO10’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe, secure, and transparent electoral environment for both voters and journalists in Northern Mindanao.
As the nation heads into a critical election season, the call for unity and vigilance remains strong among security forces, media institutions, and election officials to uphold press freedom and democratic integrity.