Politics · Philippines Bureau
AFP General Pledges Press Freedom While Calling for Media Accountability
A senior Armed Forces of the Philippines commander has reaffirmed the military's commitment to press freedom during a media safety forum in Zamboanga Sibugay, while stressing journalists' responsibility to maintain accuracy and ethical standards.
LSN Philippines ·
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — An AFP general addressed the need to balance press freedom with journalistic accountability during an engagement with regional media practitioners at the Presidential Task Force on Media Security's forum in this province.
The military official stated that upholding freedom of the press remains a core institutional value, even as he underscored the importance of responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalism standards. The remarks came as part of broader discussions on media safety and the role of security forces in protecting journalists.
The two-day forum brought together representatives from the AFP, local media organizations, and press safety advocates to discuss challenges facing journalism in Mindanao and strategies to ensure the safety of reporters working in conflict-affected areas.
The exchange reflects ongoing efforts by Philippine security forces and media groups to establish constructive dialogue on contentious issues including press freedom, operational security concerns, and the protection of journalists covering sensitive stories in remote regions. Officials emphasized that accountability and accuracy in reporting serve the public interest while strengthening democratic institutions.