NUJP Cagayan de Oro launches campaign to protect journalists

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Responding to escalating reports of journalist harassment and state interference, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter has rolled out a protective campaign for media workers operating in Mindanao's major urban center.

The initiative seeks to establish stronger safeguards for press freedom through advocacy and the pursuit of local legislative measures. The NUJP chapter is mobilizing news organizations across the region to strengthen collective efforts in documenting and addressing threats to journalists.

The campaign underscores growing concerns about the operating environment for media practitioners in Cagayan de Oro and surrounding areas, where reports of intimidation and official obstruction have become increasingly common. Journalists covering sensitive issues have faced mounting pressure, prompting the union to take coordinated action.

As part of the drive, the NUJP chapter is urging local news outlets to participate actively in the protection initiative while calling on municipal and provincial officials to enact ordinances guaranteeing media independence and journalist safety. The union has emphasized that a free and functioning press is essential for democratic governance and public accountability.