From capturing the news to defending the press
by Athena Altiche
Media attacks have been rampant in the Philippines, with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) recording at least 177 press freedom attacks and violations under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Media workers are calling for press freedom and the protection of media security.
Jose “Joe” Torres Jr., 59, is the appointed undersecretary of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) committed to defending press freedom through public service.
Torres was appointed to the position last November 2024, replacing Paul Gutierrez after his term expired. The task force was created in 2016 through an administrative order to protect the rights and security of media workers.
He has worked in the media for decades, from newspapers to various media organizations. He covered social movements, rallies, and the administrations of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos, and reported from conflict areas such as Mindanao.
He recalled that his coverage always came with threats, and there was no safety training to prepare them for such dangers. He said, “Ang panangga namin sa danger noon ay dasal. For instance, na-assign ka sa Basilan, mangungumpisal ka muna dahil [baka] ‘yon na ang huli mo.” (Our shield against danger back then was prayer. For instance, if you were assigned to Basilan, you'd go to confession first because [it might] be your last).
Joining the Public Service
Torres entered government service through the invitation of Cheloy Garafil, taking the lead at the Philippine News Agency. He accepted the offer to serve Filipinos on a broader scale particularly in informing the public about government projects and relevant social issues.
He later served as Director General of the Philippine Information Agency, where one of his notable initiatives was raising public awareness about the West Philippine Sea. He recalled, “Nasa 40% pa lang ng Pilipino ang may alam sa West Philippine Sea then after a year, tumaas ng 70% ang convinced na atin ang West Philippine Sea.” (Only around 40% of Filipinos were aware of the West Philippine Sea, then after a year, 70% were convinced that the West Philippine Sea belongs to us.)
After his tenure at the Philippine News Agency, he was appointed undersecretary of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), where he is now focused on protecting media workers.
Presidential Task Force for Media Security
Since the start of Torres’ term, he has focused on handling cases involving media workers. He said, “We started reviewing the cases para ma-pursue ang mga kaso sa korte. At ang mga investigations na may ibang resolved at many developments. Medyo mahirap lang kasi mga kaso ‘yan so we need to follow-up sa mga courts, prosecutors at sa ibang ahensya.” (We started reviewing the cases so they can be pursued in court. Some investigations have already been resolved or have seen developments. It's just a bit challenging because these are legal cases, so we need to follow up with the courts, prosecutors, and other agencies).
Aside from case handling, Torres said they also address other forms of attacks on media workers such as libel charges, stolen equipment, surveillance, and death threats. To respond to these issues, they ensure close coordination with media groups and government agencies through consultations and dialogues.
PTFoMS also conducts initiatives like safety training tailored for photojournalists. These sessions bring together professionals—regardless of their affiliation with photojournalism organizations—to prepare them for the upcoming BARMM elections and everyday threats.
“Hindi lang dapat ang tignan ay ang safety sa may war or conflict. Kailangan i-expand ang pagtingin sa safety katulad ng natural disasters,” Torres said. (We shouldn't only look at safety in the context of war or conflict. We also need to broaden our perspective on safety to include natural disasters.)
The office places high value on holding genuine consultations with its stakeholders. It conducts quarterly meetings with various media outlets and journalists to hear and address their concerns. Currently, the office is also conducting interviews with reporters from different beats in Metro Manila, with plans to expand these efforts to the Visayas and Mindanao.
It also coordinates with international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to share updates on the state of media in the country and engage in mutual learning.
Despite his leadership role, Torres shared that he continues to practice photojournalism by documenting some of their agency's activities whenever events are held.
Media organizations and practitioners continue to call for justice in response to press freedom violations and to demand better workplace conditions. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen media safety in the country. Torres affirmed his commitment to serving the media, ensuring that justice will be delivered for all those who have been killed, and reiterating his office’s dedication to defending press freedom.
Editor's note:
This article is part of the spotlight interview of members of the Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines. Celebrating the life, work and contribution to the photojournalism industry of the PCP members.