PTFoMS Accomplishment Report (October 2016-January 2020)

CONTENTS
i 01 03 45
PREFATORY PTFOMS
MESSAGES MILESTONES
STATEMENT CASE DATA
i. Message from the President 4 Updates on Cases of Media Killings

ii. Message from the Chair 32 Adoption of the Operational Guidelines
iii. Message from the Co-Chair 33 Introduction of the PTFoMS Protocols
iv. Message from the Executive Director and Handbook on Personal Security
Measures for Media Practitioners
34 Dissemination of the Operational
Guidelines and PTFoMS Protocols
36 Exercise of Investigative Powers
37 AO1 Prosecutors Appointed
38 Threats Against the Life, Liberty, and
Security of Media Workers
41 The PTFoMS and the Global Campaign
Against Media Violence
i
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
My warmest greetings to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) as it marks its
3rd Anniversary.
Throughout history, the media has been well-regarded and respected as the “Fourth Estate” for
its integral role in shaping social and political issues. As such, we have to uphold the rights and ensure
the safety of media practitioners to enable them to perform their duties for the sake of truth and the
common good.
In recognition of the media’s importance in nation-building, I signed Administrative Order No.

1 on October 11, 2016 which created the Task Force mandated to uphold press freedom by pursuing
justice for journalists who were killed in the line of work and providing security for media men and
women who are being subjected to threats and other forms of harassment.

As PTFoMS publishes its Midterm Report, be assured of this administration’s unrelenting
commitment in protecting the life and liberty of media workers. Together, let us work with renewed
fervor in making our nation a safer place for everyone.
Congratulations and I wish you more success.

ii
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A press free from intimidation and threat is vital to the functioning of any
democracy. The security of individuals and persons working in the media is therefore of
paramount interest to any democratic government.
It has been three (3) years since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued
Administrative Order (AO) No. 1 and created the Presidential Task Force on Media
Security (PTFoMS). That the President chose the creation of the PTFoMS as the subject
of his very first AO underscores in no uncertain terms this government’s commitment to
the ideals of democracy, more particularly of a free and vibrant press, and its resolve to
ensure the safety and security of the men and women who keep those ideals alive.
How such commitment and resolve have been translated into concrete action,
and how such action has positively affected the lives of journalists and media workers
and of their families, may be discerned from the contents of this Midterm Report.
This Report is more than a testament to the hard work and dedication of those
who comprise the PTFoMS. It should serve as a constant reminder that this government
will apply the full force of the law in order to make accountable those who threaten not
only the lives and security of media workers, but also the very fabric of our democracy.
Congratulations to the PTFoMS and Godspeed to us all!

iii
MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIR
THE BEST DEFENSE
The world of journalism is not complex. It is a simple landscape where the writing and the
broadcasting of news follows a road map that inadvertently leads to the truth.
The dangers in this information highway are the threats to silence, to coerce, and to halt the
revelation of the truth. These threats can cause debilitation and even death.
Media Security, therefore, was the subject of the first Administrative Order of President Rodrigo
Roa Duterte that has tasked our office to spread the safety net around everyone in the profession
of journalism: the writer, the director, the editor, the producer, the camera and audio operators, the
OB van workers, drivers, line-men, satellite engineers, technical and mechanical staff, and everyone
attached to news gathering and its production.
This publication details the elements of media security. It encompasses the network of
cooperation between and among journalists, their employers, and our office. It is a first-aid application
and a survival kit to prevent and evade attacks, physical and otherwise.
But, the only and best defense is the defense of the truth. Be guided by its light and be
protected by it.
iv
BY WAY OF A PREFACE TO THE 2nd EDITION:
DUTERTE LEGACY SPEECH OF PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MEDIA SECURITY

UNDERSECRETARY AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOSE JOEL SY EGCO
January 17, 2020
PICC, Pasay City
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
Today, I’m going to tell you a story. A truly sad story with a happy ending.
For ten long years, we have been languishing in the company of war-torn countries
such as Iraq, Syria, Somalia and South Sudan as one of the top five most dangerous places in
the world for journalists.
This dubious distinction has caused as shame, not only as a country but as a people
who value freedom of expression and of the press in this part of the world.
My story takes root in 1986, when democracy was restored. But let us leap forward and begin
in 2009, A DARK CHAPTER IN PH MEDIA.
That year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based media
watchdog, ranked the country as the 6th most dangerous for journalists in the world on account
of the 24 or so reported unsolved media killings in the country.
Then, it happened!
On November 23, 2009, the world was shocked when 58 individuals, including 32 media
workers, were waylaid before being shot to death and buried in hastily dug-up graves by
members of the powerful Ampatuan clan in Maguindanao. The incident would be known as
the infamous Ampatuan Massacre, the single deadliest attack on media workers in the history
of the world.
The incident caused the country’s Global Impunity Index (GII) ranking to worsen twice
its previous score to 3rd. And, for the years 2011 to 2014, the Philippines remained at that
humiliating rank.
Then, in 2015 and 2016, there was a little improvement in the GII when we improved by
a notch and ranked 4th. The reason, and again I quote the CPJ report: “Its place cemented by
a failure to prosecute any perpetrators behind the 2009 massacre in Maguindanao, in which 32
journalists and media workers were slain.”
v
Worse, another international media watchdog, this time the Paris-based Reporters
Without Borders (RSF), came out with the report citing the Philippines as among the top 5
deadliest countries for journalists in the world. Naturally, we got the tag of being the “worst” in
Southeast Asia.
In his first State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he
was creating a Task Force that would address media killings and violence against media
workers. There, he declared that: “This government does not condone violence or repression
of media.”
And so, lo and behold, on October 11, 2016, the President signed his very first
Administrative Order (AO) No. 1 creating the first and only government task force in the world
mandated to protect the LIFE, LIBERTY and SECURITY of media workers.
The Task Force, for the very first time, gathered all data from various government
and media sources to map incidents of media killings in the country. The Mindanao region
accounts for the most number of incidents and therefore dubbed as the “Most Vulnerable”
region. Remember the Ampatuan Massacre in Maguindanao?
This is where our story makes a positive turn.
Just a year after the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS),
CPJ reported progress in the Philippines and gave the country an improved ranking at No. 5.
“The Philippines dropped one place in the index from last year. In October 2016, President
Rodrigo Duterte formed the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, which includes a
designated team of investigators and prosecutors for the speedy probe of new cases of media
killings. The commission has announced investigations into several murders, but no convictions
have been achieved.
Such improved ranking was again reflected in the 2018 GII and in the “expected” 2019
ranking, and the watchdog explained, and I quote: “The Philippines has been among the
worst five countries nearly every year since the index was first published in 2008. The country’s
fifth-worst ranking is due in part to the deadly ambush of 58 individuals, including 32 journalists
and media workers, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, on November 23, 2009.”
This humble feat did not escape the attention of world leaders, particularly former EU
Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen and former Danish Ambassador to the Philippines
Jan Top Cristensen, who both recognized the role of the PTFoMS in the country’s improved
ranking in the GII.
We did not stop there.
This Task Force is no spineless creation. The PTFoMS hit the ground running by
immediately taking action on each of the cases turned over to it. Most importantly, while the
PTFoMS immediately worked to address current cases of threats and killings of members of the
press and as we backtracked old ones, we dared to find a factual, contextual answer to the
question:
vi
“WHY ARE JOURNALISTS BEING KILLED HERE?”
Guided by the principle that to address the symptoms of the problem would just be
like scratching the surface, we needed to CONTEXTUALIZE AND SOLVE THE ROOT CAUSE OF
THE PROBLEM BY IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES!
So, now, let me discuss briefly the various reasons why journalists are killed here—
deliberately or not—beginning with the three levels of risk that any media worker faces in the
course of his or her chosen field.
DUTY. ADVOCACY.CRUSADE.
Our observation is that the problem of media killings here is compounded by the fact
that it is a direct by-product of the hostile or violent geo-political environment. Again, let us
not forget about the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre.
And there are three major contributors or indicators to the problem: 1. Dirty politics
2. Corruption and crimes, and 3. Vulnerability of media.
The media is vulnerable in terms of:

1. Rivalries and infighting among various media groups and practitioners
2. Economic vulnerabilities
3. Correlation between media ownership and politics
4. Blocktimers are prone to violence as shown by our records
5. Small entities are usually financed by politicians
6. Media violence spikes around election season
To address these vulnerabilities, we forged a Memorandum of Agreement with ACT-

CIS Partylist for the enactment of a Media Workers Welfare Act, which is now enrolled as
House Bill No. 2476.
Now, you may be asking: “How many cases are we now handling since 1986?” Let
me present to you the facts.
A photo was taken a few hours after Pangasinan-based radioman Virgilio Maganes
was shot on November 8, 2016, a day after his birthday and barely weeks after AO No. 1 was
signed by the President. Maganes’s case was the very first case we handled as a Task Force
and we were able to file murder cases against two individuals.
Adding to the list of work-related killings of Larry Que, Christopher Lozada, Joey Llana,
Ed Dizon and Dindo Generoso is that of Dennis Denora of Davao province. I am happy to
announce that we were able to file charges against suspects in all six cases. Except for Larry
Que’s case, however, the rest are now pending in various courts.
vii
In total, we investigated, monitored, and had acted on 22 cases of killings involving
media workers from 2016 to present, to include the non-work-related killing of the following:
Jun Briones
Carlos Matas
To cut the long story short, the Task Force’s timely action on various cases of killings
and threats against members of the press led to the following good reviews and reports:
CPJ improved ranking

RSF delisting
And, even for the end of 2019, the Philippines can no longer be found on the list of
the “deadliest” list either on the basis or deaths of imprisonment. And it is very heartwarming
to note that from the 2019 report of CPJ on the deadliest countries for journalists, there was
a global decline— a historic low at that— in the number of media workers killed in the line
of duty.
And, finally, as the appropriate climax to my story. After exactly a decade of

waiting and after so many delays, the day of reckoning!
On December 19, 2019, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Branch 221
finally handed down the GUILTY verdict on the principal suspects and masterminds in the
gruesome Ampatuan Massacre case!
The good news came just two years after President Duterte, in a meeting attended
by yours truly, then Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre, former Presidential spokesman Harry
Roque, members of the DOJ prosecution panel and some of the massacre victims’
families, vowed to ensure the promulgation of the case “the soonest time possible.”
Despite attempts by the respondents to further delay the proceedings, Secretary

Martin Andanar, co-chair of PTFoMS, announced on September 5, 2019 that the court, on
August 22, had ordered that the case be submitted for decision.
To show my confidence on the justice system and the commendable efforts

by government and private prosecutors, I even promised to resign if the suspects are
acquitted. It did not happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, before I end, let us define in brief what IMPUNITY means,
that culture which has been used and abused by anti-government critics and political
propagandists.
Online definition at Wikipedia: “In the international law of human rights, it refers
to the failure to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice and, as such, itself
constitutes a denial of the victims' right to justice and redress.”
“Mga kababayan, base sa ating imbentaryo ng mga kaso, mayroon pong 15

mga nauna nang conviction sa mga pumaslang sa mga kapatid natin sa hanapbuhay.
viii
Bukod pa riyan ang tatlong kaso pa kung saan sinasabing hindi konektado sa trabaho
ng media.”
(“My countrymen, based on our inventory of cases, we had 15 prior convictions for
the killings of my fellow journalists. And this figure does not even include the 3 cases which
were considered as non-work related.”)
Adding the 31 journalists who were served justice in the conviction of Ampatuan
Massacre suspects, we now have a total of 49 cases where the perpetrators have been
convicted by Philippine courts. Likewise, four of the 80 massacre suspects who remained at
large finally fell into the hands of authorities. We will run after the 76 others remaining.
DID WE FAIL? CERTAINLY NOT!
And this is where the sad story ends. This is where we close that Dark Chapter in the
history of the media profession here. From being one of the “deadliest” or “worst” countries
in the world in terms of safeguarding press freedom, the Philippines now holds the distinction
of being the only country in the world to have convicted this huge number of killers of media
workers.
A testament to PH government’s sincere, honest and genuine commitment to uphold

and protect human rights, human lives and human dignity.
Let me end the story and close this book by leaving this powerful message by Usec.
Severo Catura, my friend, a member of the Task Force and a staunch professional defender
of human rights. And I quote:
“Not since the post-world war Nuremberg trials of 1945-49, which saw the conviction
of 18 war criminals, has the world seen this large number of persons convicted by a single
court. Even the much vaunted International Criminal Court, in all its 17 years in existence and
after having spent more than a billion dollars, has only convicted four personalities. And it
took a humble regional trial court in this side of the world, presided by one Judge Jocelyn
Solis-Reyes, to make a world of a difference.”
For the PTFoMS, failure is not an option!
Thank you very much.

1
I. PREFATORY
STATEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 1 – Creating the first and possibly
the only Task Force in the world whose mandate is to protect
the life, liberty and security of Media Workers
On October 11, 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued

Administrative Order No. 1 (AO1) creating the Presidential Task Force
on Violence Against Media Workers, now more popularly known as the
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).
This breakthrough in journalism history is so remarkable

that on November 9-10, 2017, ASEAN media experts lauded the
PTFoMS as an agency worthy of emulation during the “Workshop
on Capacity Building to Improve Safety of Journalists” held in
Hanoi, Vietnam.
The impact of the creation of the PTFoMS, not only

in the country but in the international community as well, cannot be
overemphasized. In October 2018, the Committee to Protect Journalists gave
a special citation to the Philippines as one of the countries with an improved
ranking in its 2018 Global Impunity Index. Shortly after, in December 2018, the
Reporters without Borders (RSF) delisted the Philippines from its list of the Top 5
most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.
3
II. MILESTONES
4 PTFoMS 2020: Reinforced, Reloaded
A. UPDATES ON CASES OF MEDIA KILLINGS

Ampatuan brothers, 20 others guilty in
Maguindanao massacre
GUILTY. Personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology escort Datu
Andal Ampatuan, Jr., one of the principal accused in the Maguindanao massacre
case in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Thursday (Dec. 19, 2019). The Quezon
City Regional Trial Court found Ampatuan and 20 others guilty of 57 counts of murder
and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) without
parole. (Screengrab from PTV)
MANILA – The elusive search for justice of the families of the 57 individuals,
including 32 journalists, killed in the Maguindanao massacre has come to a
conclusion on Thursday.
Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC)
Branch 221 found eight members of the Ampatuan clan and 20 others guilty for
57 counts of murder and meted them with the penalty of reclusion perpetua
(up to 40 years imprisonment) without parole.
Aside from former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor

Zaldy Ampatuan, likewise found guilty as principal and sentenced to reclusion
perpetua without parole were his brothers Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr.,
Datu Anwar Sajid “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, Datu Anwar “Datu Ipi” Ampatuan,
Jr., Insp. Saudi Mokamad, PO1 Jonathan Engid, Abedin Alamada, Talembo
“Tammy” Masukat, Theng P. Sali, Manny Ampatuan, Nasser Esmael, C/Insp.
Sukarno Dicay, Supt. Abusama Mundas Maguid and Supt. Bahnarin Kamaong.
PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MEDIA SECURITY 5
Also found guilty were Datu Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Tato Tampogao,
Mohades Ampatuan, Mohamad T. Datumanong, Misuari Ampatuan, Taya
Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Thong Guiamano, Sonny K. Pindi, Armando
Ambalgan, Kudza Masukat Uguia, Edres Kasan, Zacaria P. Akil and
Samaon Andatuan.
Meanwhile, those sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty

of imprisonment of 6 to 10 years for being accessories to the crime are P/
Insp. Michael Joy Macaraeg, PO3 Felix Eñate, PO3 Abibudin Abdulgani, PO3
Rasid Anton, PO2 Hamad Nana, PO2 Saudi Pasutan, PO2 Saudiar Ulah, PO1
Esprilieto Lejarso, PO1 Narkuok Mascud, PO1 Pia Kamidon, PO1 Esmael Guialal,
PO1 Arnulfo Soriano, PO1 Herich Amaba, P/SInsp. Abdulgapor Abad and
Bong Andal.
Fifty-seven of those acquitted include several members of the Ampatuan

clan namely as Shariff Saydona, Mustapha, Maguindanao mayor Datu Sajid
Islam Ampatuan (brother of Zaldy and Andal), Datu Akmad Ampatuan,
Jonathan Ampatuan, Jimmy Ampatuan along with the so-called members of
the Labayan group identified as SPO1 Elizer Rendaje, SPO1 Alimola Gulanaton,
SPO1 Samad Maguindra, PO3 Ricky Balanueco, PO3 Gibrael Alano, PO2
Rexson Gulama, PO1 Amir Solaiman, PO1 Badjun Panegas, PO1 Pendatun
Dima, PO1 Ebara Bebot, PO1 Tamano Hadi, PO1 Michael Macarangon and
the Solano group members which include SPO1 Ali Solano, PO3 Felix Daquillos,
PO2 Kendatu Rakim, PO1Abdulraman Batarasa, PO1 Marjul Julkadi, PO1
Datu Jerry Uto, PO1 Mohammad Balading, PO1 Marsman Nilong, PO1 Ysmael
Baraquir, PO1 Abdulmanan Saavedra and PO1 Jimmy Kadtong.
Also acquitted of the charges were PO1 Sandy Sabang, Takpan Dilon,
Edris Tekay Nanding, PO1 Warden Legawan, Rainer Ebus, Mohamad Sangki,
Tho Amino, Norman Tatak, Malaguial Tanuri, Alimudin Sanguyod, Mama Habib,
Sahid Giamadel, Datutulon Esmail, Kasim Lingkong, Abdulkadir Saludin, Akad
Macaton, Norhato Kamino, Nasser Malaguia, P/Insp. Bahnarin Kamaong,
P/Supt. Abdulwahid Pedtucasan, PO1 Ahmad Camsa Badal, PO2 Tanny
Dalgan, PO1 Anwar Masukat, Samsudin Daud, Maot Bangkulat, Denga Mentol,
Fahad Utto, PO1 Adbullah Baguadatu, PO1 Oscar Donato and PO1 Michael
Madsig.
The court said the prosecution failed to prove their guilt.
Solis-Reyes also ordered the accused to pay damages totaling to

PHP130 million.
A total of 101 individuals faced the trial out of the initial 197 who were
originally included in the indictment. Meanwhile, 117 were arrested while 80
remain at large.
As the case dragged for 10 years, 11 of the accused were granted bail
while 90 remained under detention.
Out of the 101, 57 accused including indigent litigants and policemen

represented by the Public Attorney's Office were acquitted by the court.
Eight have already been discharged and/or released including Vice

Mayor Sukarno Badal. Another eight have already died while the case is
pending including former Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
"Their acts were deliberate and obviously in pursuance of their plan to

kill Datu Toto or whoever will file his Certificate of Candidacy," the judge said
of the principal accused, whom the judge stressed were "positively identified
and seen by witnesses to have actually participated in the shooting of the 57
innocent victims."
"The eyewitnesses who are familiar with accused Datu Unsay, such
as Rasul Sangki, Akmad Abubakar Esmael, Anok Akil, Norodin Mauyag and
Sukarno Badal categorically declared that they saw said accused in Saniag,
Malating, and Masalay on November 23, 2009. At the risk of being repetitive,
the court must remind again the accused that not only was he merely sighted,
witnesses claimed that he was seen performing overt acts significant to the
realization of the crimes charged," the court said.
Those acquitted were ordered released immediately unless they are

being detained for other offenses.
During Thursday's promulgation, the prosecution of 11 government

lawyers and six private prosecutors led by Deputy Chief State Prosecutor
Richard Anthony Fadullon III posed no objection to Solis-Reyes' proposal
that only the salient portions of her decision was to be read in open court
while the defense counsels prevailed in their request that only the dispositive
portion be read.
The Maguindanao massacre, which is considered as the worst attack

against media members in recent Philippine history, took place on November
23, 2009 in Sitio Masalay, Buluan town in Maguindanao.
The victims were part of a convoy on their way to file the certificate of
candidacy in Shariff Aguak of Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu.
While on their way, a private militia of roughly 200 armed men,

intercepted the convoy and escorted them to Buluan town in Ampatuan
where they were told to get off their vehicles and then shot point-blank.
Mangudadatu’s sister and aunt, who were both pregnant, were among
those brutally killed by the armed men.
The victims include Raida Abdul, Rowena Ante, Abdillah Ayada, Lailani
Balayman, Pinky Balayman, Surayda Bernan, Concepcion Brizuela, Meriam
Calimbol, Raul Daud, Eugene Demillo, Norton Edza, Bai Farinah Hassan, Wahida
Kalim, Bai Eden Mangudadatu, Bai Genalin Mangudadatu, Mamotabai
Mangudadatu, Catalino Oquendo, Jr., Cynthia Oquendo, Rahima Palawan,
Faridah Sabdullah, all members of the Mangudadatu family and supporters.
(Philippine News Agency)
PTFoMS celebrates conviction of Maguindanao

Massacre perpetrators
MANILA— The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS)
on Thursday welcomed the conviction of the principal suspects in the
Maguindanao massacre, dubbed as the world’s worst killings of journalists in
history where at least 32 media workers were murdered.
Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMs executive director, said the

Quezon City court's verdict is “a cause for celebration for those who value
press freedom, freedom of expression and human rights.”
Egco called on Filipinos “to remember that of the 58 people who were
killed, 32 were media workers” even as he noted that the case has come
to be “widely regarded as the deadliest single-day attack on journalists in
the world, as well as the worst election-related case of violence in recent
Philippine history”.
He said: "There is no way in objective terms can anyone claim that there
is a ’culture of impunity’ in this country.”
PTFoMs executive director and Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco

“Let me reiterate that the real heroes in this are the families of the 58
victims, the prosecution witnesses, the government and private prosecutors,”
he added.
In a previous statement, Egco predicted that it will take “the political

will of a Duterte Administration to finally see this through its logical conclusion”
and it will be considered “a part of the Duterte Legacy.”
On Thursday, more than 10 years since the massacre, the principal

suspects in the case, including Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr. alias ‘Unsay’, were
found guilty by Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Regional
Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said he initially “predicted

that this is the only way the judgment should go.”
“As I’ve said before, criminals who murder or in any way endanger
journalists in this part of the world will not go unpunished. This is justice. It was
admittedly a slow process but we have to go through it as warranted by our
democratic system,” said Andanar, also PTFoMS co-chairperson.
On Nov. 23, 2009, at least 58 were killed in Maguindanao province while

en route to Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy of then Buluan
vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu. The victims included 32 media workers, six
passersby, two lawyers, and the wife and sisters of Mangudadatu.
The media workers murdered were the following:

1. Alejandro Reblando 12. Henry Araneta 23. Napoleon Salaysay
2. Andres Teodoro 13. Jepon Cadagdagon 24. Noel Decina
3. Arturo Betia 14. Jhoy Duhay 25. Rey Merisco
4. Benjie Adolfo 15. Joel Parcon 26. Reynaldo Momay
5. Bienvenido Legarte, Jr. 16. John Caniban 27. Romeo Jimmy Cabillo
6. Daniel Tiamson 17. Jolito Evardo 28. Ronie Perante
7. Ernesto Maravilla 18. Lea Dalmacio 29. Rosell Morales
8. Fernando Razon 19. Lindo Lupogan 30. Rubello Bataluna
9. Francisco Subang 20. Marife Montaño 31. Santos Gatchalian
10. Gina dela Cruz 21. Marites Cablitas 32. Victor Nuñez
11. Hannibal Cachuela 22. Mark Gilbert Arriola
the following were among those killed :

Mangudadatu clan Lawyers
33. Genalin Tiamzon Mangudadatu 48. Concepcion Jayme-Brizuela
34. Eden Gaguil Mangudadatu 49. Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon
35. Farinah Mangudadatu Hassan 50. Catalino Oquendo, Jr.
36. Rowena Ante Mangudadatu
37. Surayyda Gaguil Bernan Van Drivers
38. Wahida Ali Kalim 51. Norton Edza Ebus
39. Mamotabai Mangudadatu 52. Razul Daud Bulilo
40. Raida Abdul Sapalon
41. Faridah Sabdullah Gaguil Passersby
53. Eduardo Lechonsito
Supporters 54. Cecille Lechonsito
42. Pinky Balayman 55. Mercy Palabrica
43. Lailani Balayman 56. Daryll delos Reyes
44. Eugene Demillo Pamansag 57. Wilhelm Palabrica
45. Abdillah Ayada 58. Anthony Ridao
46. Rahima Palawan
47. Meriam Calimbol
4 Ampatuan massacre suspects fall in January:

PTFoMS
MANILA— The recent arrest of another
accused in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre
brought to four the number of suspects who are
now under police custody over a month after
the conviction of the principal respondents in the
decade-old case, the Presidential Task Force on
Media Security (PTFoMS) said on Wednesday.
Based on the latest data received by the

PTFoMS Secretariat, Police Officer 1 Suari Esmail
Pagabangan, also known as Alfie Pagabangan,
was the latest suspect arrested by the police
operatives at Barangay Barurao in Sultan Sa
Barongis, Maguindanao on Monday (January 27).
Suari Esmail Pagabangan
“This government is making great strides in

delivering what it has promised—to arrest all those
suspects who are still in hiding,” PTFoMS Executive
Director, and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said.
“It’s a long struggle but the full weight of the

Duterte Government is behind this effort and there
is no reason for us not to succeed in this endeavor.
As I’ve said time and time again, failure is not an
option!” he added.
Before Pagabangan, police operatives

arrested Gambayan Kasim, also known as Lori
Alip, on January 9 in his home at Shariff Aguak in
Gambayan Kasim
Maguindanao.
Kasim’s arrest was effected just three days

after Faisal Dimaukom was nabbed by a composite
team led by Parang Municipal Police chief, Lt. Col.
Ibrahim Jambiran, at Barangay Kabinge in Datu
Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on January 6.
On January 21, PO1 Ysmael Baraquir,

another suspect in hiding, surrendered to the
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
(CIDG) Regional Field Unit 15 BAR led by Police
Colonel James Gulmatico at Brgy. Linandangan in
Pagalungan, Maguindanao.
Faisal Dimaukom
The four suspects have a standing warrant
of arrest issued by Judge Jocelyn A. Solis-Reyes of
the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on May
22, 2013.
“The 4th suspect to fall into the hands of the

authorities in this month alone is a testament to the
government’s resolve to capture all those involved
at the soonest possible time,” said Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary
Martin Andanar, PTFoMS co-chair.
“We will not rest until all of them are under

Ysmael Baraquir custody. I can assure all those who are still in hiding
that they, too, will not find rest unless and until they have surrendered. That,
they can count on,” he added.
Last month, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie

Francisco Gamboa, ordered intensified nationwide manhunt operations for
the remaining suspects in the Ampatuan massacre.
On December 19, 2019, Solis-Reyes announced the much-awaited

verdict, finding 28 people, including masterminds Datu Andal, Jr. and Zaldy
Ampatuan, guilty for the murder of 57 people, including 32 media workers.
The 28 were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or a maximum of 40

years, without parole.
The PTFoMS vowed to continue to monitor and inform the public on

the developments of the ongoing manhunt operations for the other suspects.
PTFoMS to launch twin-tack drive

to end impunity
Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director Joel Sy Egco (File photo)
MANILA— To mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in safeguarding

press freedom in the country, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security
(PTFoMS) has introduced a new approach in the campaign to end

impunity by combining the twin efforts of ensuring the delivery of justice
for victims of attacks and promoting the professional and economic
welfare of journalists.
Dubbed “PTFoMS 2020: Reinforced, Reloaded”, the campaign will

usher in more active engagements with media workers as well as future
journalists around the country. It will be launched in Tacloban City by the
end of the month.
“The Task Force will also continue to be more relentless and

proactive when it comes to protecting the life, liberty and security of
media workers. Besides running after so-called enemies of press freedom
as we have done in the previous years, we will also strongly push for the
enactment of the Media Workers Welfare Bill under House Bill 2476, which
seeks to uplift both the economic welfare and skills of local journos,”
PTFoMS executive director, and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said.
Officials of the Task Force and its media partners will hold seminars
on media safety, welfare and ethics in various provinces.
Egco said the PTFoMS will be reorganized and will hire additional
personnel to man its teams for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the National
Capital Region.
“For starters, inter-agency tracker teams will be created soon to

intensify the manhunt for the remaining Ampatuan Massacre suspects
who are still at large. We will also be printing “WANTED” posters all over
the archipelago in line with this effort,” Egco said.
Earlier, Egco said the past decade was a “dark chapter in

Philippine media history,” owing largely to the infamous massacre that
has placed the country among the “most dangerous” in the world
for journalists.
“From being one of the most dangerous and one of the deadliest,
our country now holds the distinction of being the only country in the
world that has convicted this huge number of killers of media workers,”
Egco said during the launch of the #DuterteLegacy campaign led by
the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Jan. 17,
2020 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
49 convictions
A WORLD RECORD
From this humiliating decade-long reputation as one of the world’s most
dangerous places for journalists, the Philippines has risen with the conviction
of 31, including the principal suspects (Andal, Jr., Zaldy, Anwar, Sr., Anwar, Jr.
and Anwar Sajid Ampatuan, et. al) in the Ampatuan Massacre case on Dec.
19, 2019 by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-
Reyes of Branch 221.
Maguindanao (2nd District) Rep. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu (in white polo
shirt) does a closed fist gesture along with relatives of the Maguindanao
massacre during the case's promulgation in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City
on Thursday (Dec. 19, 2019). Among the victims of the massacre in November
2009 were Mangudadatu's wife and two sisters. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Besides this, PTFoMS has also uncovered 18 previous convictions on

various cases of media violence, bringing the total number of convictions
to 49, an unprecedented feat in the history of the worldwide campaign
against impunity.
15 WORK RELATED CASES

ENRIQUE LINGAN FRANK PALMA ARCEO PADRIGAO
GERARDO ORTEGA HERSON HINOLAN NESINO PAULIN TOLING
ROWEL ENDRINAL MARTIN ROXAS ARMANDO PACE
MIGUEL MIKE BELEN GEORGE BENAOJAN DESIDERIO CAMANGYAN
ROLANDO URETA EDGARD DEMALERIO MARLENE ESPERAT
3 NON-WORK RELATED CASES
ALBERTO ORSOLINO DANIEL HERNANDEZ JOSE DAGUIO
Due largely to the promulgation of the decision on the massacre and

obtaining justice for the murdered journalists, the Task Force (TF) expects a
much better rating for the 2020 Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Global
Impunity Index (GII), if not a total delisting from the index.
"We're expecting that the upcoming CPJ report would remove the
Philippines from their list of the five deadliest countries for journalists, including
being number one in Southeast Asia,” Egco said.
“The figures are a testament to the Duterte government’s sincere,

honest and genuine resolve to protect human rights and uphold human lives
and human dignity.”
In October 2019, the CPJ published its GII, in which it stated that “the
Philippines has been among the worst five countries nearly every year since
the index was first published in 2008. The country’s fifth-worst ranking is due in
part to the deadly ambush of 58 individuals, including 32 journalists and media
workers, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, on November 23, 2009.”
The Philippines, however, was not mentioned anywhere in the 2019

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report.

The CPJ, meanwhile, has also not included the country on the list of the
world’s worst jailers of journalists, contrary to some sectors’ unjust and biased
claims of the supposedly worsening and repressive state of media workers in
this part of the world.
Egco said these positive gains negate the shameless lies peddled
against the Philippine Republic by biased critics.
Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights

Committee and a member of the Task Force, has declared that the
historic promulgation of the massacre case was both unprecedented
and unmatched.
“Not since the post-world war Nuremberg trials of 1945-49, which saw
the conviction of 18 war criminals, has the world seen this large number of
persons convicted by a single court. Even the much-vaunted International
Criminal Court, in all its 17 years in existence and after having spent more than
a billion dollars, has only convicted four personalities. And it took a humble
regional trial court in this side of the world, presided by one Judge Jocelyn
Solis-Reyes, to make a world of a difference,” Catura said.
A few weeks after the decision was handed down by Judge

Solis-Reyes, authorities were able to capture two of the fugitives—Faisal
Dimaukom alias Kagi Faizal and Gambayan Kasim, also known as Lori Alip.
Dimaukom was nabbed at Barangay Kabinge, Datu Saudi Ampatuan,

Maguindanao on January 6, while Kasim was captured three days later at his
home in Shariff Aguak also in Maguindanao.
“I reiterate what our Co-Chair and Presidential Communications

Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar has said—we are counting down
to the eventual capture of all those involved in this case. They can run and
they can hide, but we will catch them one way or the other,” Egco said.
The recent arrest is a significant development in the intensified

nationwide manhunt for the remaining suspects as ordered by Philippine
National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Media Workers Welfare Act
Egco said they were able to map the most vulnerable regions for
journalists in the country with Mindanao topping the list.
While observing that the phenomenon of media violence in the country

is a direct by-product of the hostile or violent geopolitical environment,
journalists are also prone to risks due to the performance of their duty, pursuit
of their advocacy against corruption and criminality and head-on crusade
against the usual subjects of their criticisms.
To address the various vulnerabilities of the media sector, the Task

Force has forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the ACT-CIS
party-list to push for measures seeking to improve the welfare of thousands
of media workers in the country.
No less than Andanar appealed to media workers to be united and

supportive of the campaign to pass the Media Workers Welfare Bill into law.
“Our fellow media, especially in the provinces, have a high economic

vulnerability. They become blocktimers. They look for supporters, sponsors, and
more often than not these sponsors are politicians. If the politicians ask them
to criticize an opponent, the latter becomes angry or annoyed. If it cannot be
talked over, they’ll just shoot you,” Andanar pointed out.
Andanar said the proposed measure also ensures capacity to

avail of housing programs, regular employment, job security and
“
health benefits. (Philippine News Agency)
Our fellow media, especially in the provinces,

have a high economic vulnerability.
They become blocktimers. They look for
supporters, sponsors, and more often than not
these sponsors are politicians. If the politicians
ask them to criticize an opponent, the latter
becomes angry or annoyed. If it cannot be
talked over, they’ll just
shoot you.
—Secretary Martin Andanar
Reported Killings under the Duterte Administration
The actual status of each of the reported cases of media work-related

killings is as follows:
Work-Related Killings
1. Larry Que
Former PTFoMS Chief-of-Staff Atty. Jose Arollado discussing the case with the
Que family members
The National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice issued a

resolution dismissing the murder complaint filed by Que‘s common-law spouse
against Joseph Cua, Prince Lim Subion, Vince Masagca, Richard Tacorda and
John Doe for insufficiency of evidence. Hence, Catanduanes PPO conducted
a continuing investigation. However, on February 5, 2019, Catanduanes PPO
turned over the investigation to the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection
Unit (RCIDU) of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the
conduct of a more intensive and focused investigation.
2. Christopher Lozada
On March 20, 2019, cases for MURDER AND FRUSTRATED MURDER were
filed by the National Bureau of Investigation, CARAGA Region XIII against
the suspects Rolly Mahilum, et. al. under Docket Number
NPS-XIII-04-INV-19C-00022 before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Bislig,
Surigao del Sur. On September 6, 2019, the Office of the City
Prosecutor of Bislig issued a resolution indicting the suspects for
the crimes charged and recommending the filing of informations before
the trial court. The Task Force is monitoring the issuance of warrants
of arrest against the suspects.
Closer shot Christopher Lozada at his radio program. To his left is

of Rolly Mahilum the alleged gunman Rolly Mahilum
3. Dennis Denora
Dennis Denora, publisher of weekly newspaper Trends and Times in

Panabo City, Davao del Norte, was shot dead on June 7, 2018. Task Force
Denora was immediately activated by the local PNP and DOJ in accordance
with AO1 and its OG.
A complaint for MURDER was filed against suspect Richard Posas Bolastig
and his unidentified cohorts before the Panabo City Prosecutor‘s Office,
docketed as NPS Docket No. XI-08-INV-19H-00013 dated January 23, 2019.
At present, an information has already been filed in court and the Task
Force is monitoring the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the suspect who
is still at large.
4. Joey Llana
Albay broadcaster Joey Llana

was shot on July 20, 2018 at 4:45 am while
on his way to work at Alternate Road,
P6, Peñafrancia, Daraga, Albay. He
sustained multiple gunshot wounds in his
body and was declared dead at about
6:45 am by the responding emergency
management staff.
On May 27, 2019, an Information

for MURDER was filed in court by the
Prosecutor‘s Office against the suspect
Erwin D. Talagtag. The case was
docketed as Criminal Case No. 15091
and raffled to the sala of Judge Egdar PTFoMS Executive Director Usec.
L. Armes, RTC Branch 4, Legazpi City. The Joel Sy Egco and PNP PRO5
investigating local police unit is awaiting Director BGen. Arnel Escobal at the
the issuance of warrant of arrest against wake of Joey Llana
the suspect who is still at large.
5. Eduardo Dizon
Eduardo Sanchez Dizon, Brigada News FM- Kidapawan Station Manager,

was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving home at around
10:25 pm last July 10, 2019 along the National Highway, Quezon Boulevard
corner Diversion Road, Sinsuat Street, Kidapawan City.
Usec. Jose Joel Sy Egco flew to Kidapawan to

meet and personally condole with the family and
friends of the victim. Egco also sought and had a
case conference with Kidapawan City Police OIC
P/LtCol Ma Joyce Birrey and probers assigned to
the case. AO1 Task Force Dizon headed by City
Prosecutor Melvin Lamata was likewise activated
during the case conference. Egco said they have
established that Dizon was indeed very critical of
the controversial KAPA money market scheme in
his commentaries over his radio program.
The continuous investigation and monitoring

enabled investigators to immediately secure
vital witnesses whose statements led to the
identification of the perpetrators of the killing. A
Eduardo Sanchez Dizon couple of weeks following the incident, MURDER
FRONT ROW (Left to Right)
1. JEFFREY M SY EGCO 7. PLTCOL RECHIE A DULDULAO (RET.)

2. MOH. KHAMIL U PANGCOGA 8. ATTY. ABRAHAM A AGAMATA
3. PCPT SHARIEL C PAULINO 9. ARISTOTELES C ESTRELLA
4. PLTCOL EDER M COLLANTES 10. JOHN C AQUINO
5. JUANITA L CASTILLO 11. RODANTE R SANTOS II
6. USEC JOSE JOEL M SY EGCO
BACK ROW (Left to Right)
12. RAYMOND L FAUSTINO 19. PSSg ANTHONY V EVANGELISTA 26. PMSg BRIAN G FELIX
13. PCpl DHAN MICHAEL B TAGALAG 20. PSSg RUSTAN R CINCO 27. PSSg JAYCEE B TORIBIO
14. PSSg EMAR F ORTIZ 21. PSSg EDMOND C MANALASTAS 28. PCpl ANDRES T SUPAN
15. PCpl MARLON J CRUZ 22. PSSg HAROLD D CORPUZ 29. PCpl NESTY JOY T GALANO
16. PSSg KENNETH L MENDOZA 23. PMSg MARLON T VALENZUELA 30. PCpl DENNIS P MARTIN
17. PMSg LAURENCE C BINUYA 24. PSSg RICHARD BRYAN G LLANES 31. PCpl DARWIN N ALFONSO
18. PMSg JASON B JOSON 25. PCpl RAUL R SANCHEZ 32. Pat ORLANDO R MAURICO
charges were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office of Kidapawan against
the following suspects: JUNELL GEROZAGA, JUN JACOLBE, HILARIO LAPI, JR.,
and one JOHN DOE.
Regional Prosecutor for Region XII Al P. Calica immediately assigned

City Prosecutor Mariam April Linsangan of Cotabato City to take charge of
the preliminary investigation.
On August 15, 2019, a Supplemental Complaint filed by Madonna Dizon,

the victim’s widow, was endorsed by the Cotabato Police Provincial Office
to the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office. Attached to the Supplemental
Complaint is the extrajudicial confession of HILARIO LAPI, JR., one of the
suspects previously charged. In this statement executed under oath and with
the assistance of counsel of his choice, Lapi identified DANTE TABOSARES alias
BONG ENCARNACION, one of the leaders of KAPA in their community, as the
mastermind behind Dizon’s murder, JACOLBE as Tabosares’ right-hand man,
and GEROZAGA as the gunman. He likewise stated that the motive for the
killing was the negative comments made by Dizon against KAPA in his radio
program at Brigada News FM. Prior to his death, Dizon had reported to the
Kidapawan City Police that he heard over the radio that Tabosares challenged
him to a gun duel and threatened to attack the Brigada News FM Station.
Lapi, the eyewitness to the killing of RENATO SARDONCILLO and Ms.

Dizon was presented to the media by PTFoMS led by its Co-Chair and PCOO
Sec. Martin Andanar, together with Executive Director Usec. Joel Sy Egco, in
a press briefing held at the Briefing Room in Malacañang last August 22, 2019.
On September 18, 2019, Acting City Prosecutor Linsangan filed the

information for the crime of MURDER before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of
Kidapawan City. The case was docketed as Criminal Case No. 5281-2019.
Indicted were: JUNELL JANE ANDAGKIT POTEN alias JUNELL GEROZAGA,
SOTERO JACOLBE, JR. alias JUN JACOLBE, and DANTE ENCARNACION
TABUSARES alias BONG ENCARNACION. TABUSARES and JACOLBE are both

local broadcasters.
On September 30, 2019, Judge Henelinda Molina-Diaz of Branch 61

of the Regional Trial Court of Kidapawan City ordered the arrest of POTEN
(alias JUNELL GEROZAGA) and JACOLBE in connection with the murder
charges filed against them by the Kidapawan City Prosecutor’s Office.
Per information provided to the PTFoMS Secretariat, JACOLBE has

surrendered to the authorities while POTEN remains at large and is currently
being tracked down by police operatives. The other accused—DANTE
ENCARNACION TABUSARES (alias BONG ENCARNACION)—allegedly the
mastermind of the murder, sought the suspension of the implementation
of the warrant against him in a motion filed before the trial court. He cited
a pending Petition for Review of the City Prosecutor’s resolution as ground
for the suspension.
Sources disclosed that the prosecution intends to oppose

Tabusares’ motion.
Non-Work Related Killings
6. Apolinario Suan, Jr.
Suan was a former Chair of Barangay San Vicente and President of the
Barangay Chairmen of Bislig City before he became a Board Member of the
province. He has been critical of the city mayor, but it has NOT been proven
that his killing was work-related.
7. Mario Contaoi
Contaoi was no longer a radio reporter when he was killed. According to

investigators, the possible motive for the killing of this university professor was a
personal grudge.
8. Marlon Muyco
Contrary to initial reports, further investigation by the Cotabato Police

Provincial Office revealed that Muyco was NOT a block-time radio announcer.
He was a Municipal Administrative Assistant in M’lang, Cotabato and was in
charge of the information dissemination regarding the livelihood program
and other programs of the town. He was also a frequent guest in the radio
program “Abyan sa Kalambuan sa Banwa sang M'lang” hosted by Hernando
C. Dapudong and aired over Radio Station 747 DXND in Kidapawan City.
9. Michael Marasigan
As there was no proof that Marasigan’s killing was related to his work as
a journalist, the Task Force endorsed his case to the Eastern Police District (EPD)
of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for appropriate action
and investigation.
10. Joaquin Briones
Initial police reports stated

that either local politics or personal
grudge was the possible motive for
the crime.
On July 12, 2018, one of the

accused in the case, Antonio Villarin
Del Rosario alias Ronnie “Panoy” Del
Rosario, was arrested by combined
elements of the Quezon City Police
Joaquin Briones
District (QCPD)-CIDG-District Special
Operation Unit headed by P/LtCol
Richard Verceles. Del Rosario was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued
on September 7 last year by Regional Trial Court of Masbate City-Branch 44
acting presiding judge Arturo Clemente Revil.
Usec. Joel Sy Egco, upon learning of Del Rosario’s arrest, immediately

dispatched PTFoMS Head of Investigation Ret. P/LtCol Rechie Duldulao and
Special Agents Darwin Alfonso and Lawrence Binuya to verify the report in
Camp Crame.
Del Rosario is the fourth suspect to be arrested for the killing of Briones.
With his arrest, the PTFoMS believes that the real motive behind the murder will
be revealed soon and the mastermind will be brought to justice.
11. Rudy Alicaway
Investigation by the Molave, Zamboanga del Sur Police Station disclosed

that the motive for the shooting of Alicaway, an incumbent barangay kagawad,
was most likely personal as he was considered one of the suspects in the
shooting to death of the late Brgy. Chair Manuel Teves. As regards his being
a media practitioner, while Alicaway hosted a radio program entitled “Tigmo
Tigmo” aired over Radyo ng Bayan 106.9 FM, the said program was purely for
entertainment and his work was on a voluntary basis wherein his compensation
came in the form of commissions from the program’s sponsors. Furthermore,
the KBP has issued a certification stating that despite passing its accreditation
examination, Alicaway was not issued an accreditation card because of his
failure to submit other requirements.
12. Leo Diaz
The Intelligence Report of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office

(SKPPO) revealed that:
“b. The most possible motive in killing Leodoro Diaz, a.k.a. Dadoy is about
his personal affair and activities. Intelligence report revealed that on May 20,
2017 victim’s niece (Estelle Faith Diaz) filed a case for Violation of RA 7610[25]
against Garry Kalamag, younger brother of the suspect Toto Kalamag. Toto
Kalamag talked to Leodoro Diaz several times and offered some consideration
purposely to settle the case of his younger brother (Garry Kalamag) who was
arrested and detained at Tacurong City Police Station at that time. The case
being filed by Estelle Diaz was expectedly settled considering that there was an
initial agreement between Leodoro Diaz and Toto Kalamag, however, the case
was still pursued and Kalamag brothers might have get mad to [sic] Leodoro
Diaz. In a discussion during the meeting of SITG Diaz, it came up that the motive
on this case was personal affair and activities of the victim aggravated by the
circumstances that eyewitness noticed the presence of Toto Kalamag with one
companion riding in a motorcycle following the motorcycle being driven by
Leodoro Diaz.”
The two (2) accused in this case had been identified as one Toto Kalamag
and a John Doe. An Information for Murder had been filed with the Regional Trial
Court of Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor
of Sultan Kudarat. The court subsequently issued a warrant for the arrest of the
accused and Kalamag is listed as No. 1 among the 10 Most Wanted Persons by
the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office. Once his location is determined, the
PNP will immediately launch manhunt operations.
13. Alexi Bolongaita
Based on the latest Police Report provided to the Task Force, the case
is not work-related (Robbery with Homicide) as the suspect, Renante Mambiar
Mendador, admitted to the crime after he was arrested in a hospital a day after
the incident.
14. Edmund Sestoso
On April 30, 2018, Edmund Sestoso, anchorman of Power 91 DYGB FM

in Dumaguete City, was riding a pedicab at around 10:30 in the morning
when gunmen riding in tandem opened fire at him, wounding his chest and
foot. He was rushed to the Silliman University Medical Center for treatment
where he was in critical condition until he succumbed to his wounds at around
3:25 pm on May 1, 2018.
The Task Force immediately took action on the case. The PTFoMS, in an
updated statement posted online, strongly denounced the killing and vowed to
leave no stone unturned in going after the perpetrators. A Special Investigation
Task Group (SITG) was created to investigate the incident and a further directive
for the conduct of a parallel investigation was given to Task Force Usig of the
PNP-DIDM.
PTFoMS Co-Chair Sec. Martin Andanar and Executive Director Joel Sy

Ecgo, together with Special Assistant to the President Sec. Bong Go, immediately
visited the family of the slain media man to ensure that the government is closely
monitoring the investigation and a bounty of P400,000.00 was offered for the
immediate apprehension of the killers.
The PTFoMS also hosted a case conference at its office on May 9, 2018
where P/Col Edwin Portento, then the PNP Negros Oriental Provincial Director,
provided the latest updates on the investigation conducted by the PNP. He
reported that at least three (3) witnesses who have identified the gunman were
cooperating with the Task Force through the Special Investigation Task Group
Sestoso (SITG Sestoso) formed by the Dumaguete City PNP immediately after
the shooting incident. The PTFoMS, through the SITG, also spearheaded the
endorsement of the principal eyewitness to the Witness Protection Program and

assisted in finalizing the sworn statements of the other witnesses.
On May 25, 2018, the Task Force, through the Dumaguete City PNP, assisted
Sestoso’s widow Lourdes Sestoso in the filing of murder charges against two (2)
John Does identified only as “KA MOKONG” and “KA SHERWIN”. A third suspect,
one RENE BUSTAMANTE (a.k.a. Pediong, a.k.a. “Jade B. Hervias”, a.k.a. “Jury
Merecido”), was also charged in the complaint filed before the Dumaguete
City Prosecutor’s Office. The complaint-affidavit of Ms. Sestoso was supported
by documentary evidence consisting of the sworn statements of the three (3)
eyewitnesses and one (1) corroborating witness, pictures of the crime scene
and recovered evidence, as well as cartographic sketches and computerized
facial composites of the assailants.
Quoting the affidavit of the principal witness, KA MOKONG was identified

as the alleged gunman, accompanied by KA SHERWIN who was allegedly the
driver of the getaway motorcycle in the attack on Sestoso last April 30, 2018.
The witness also recalled having previously met the suspects in a couple of
occasions wherein they introduced themselves as NPA members and that in
one of their conversations, they told him that they have been planning
to neutralize Sestoso as he was alleged to be responsible for framing up
Bustamante, an NPA commander and also their uncle, which led to the latter’s
arrest for illegal possession of firearms and explosives back in June 2014 in
Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
The latest update is that the wife of Edmund Sestoso withdrew the
case, but since it was a public crime, member-agencies and media observers
of the PTFoMS in its regular meeting on June 20, 2018 resolved to pursue the
case. That is why on June 26, 2018, a criminal complaint for MURDER was
refiled with the Dumaguete City Prosecutor’s Office against the same
suspects by Superintendent Jonathan D. Pineda, Dumaguete City Police
Chief under Docket No. VII-11-INV-18F-00305.
The PTFoMS also obtained information that “Ka Mokong”, whose

real name is Richard Bustamante, Jr., and “Ka Sherwin”, whose real name is
Jerryl Delantes, figured in a shooting incident in La Libertad, Negros Oriental
on July 21, 2018, wherein the former was shot dead while the latter sustained
gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital
for treatment.
In the preliminary investigation, the principal witness executed a

supplemental affidavit and positively identified the Bustamante and Delantes
involved in the shooting incident as the “Ka Mokong” and “Ka Sherwin”,
respectively, who were responsible for the death of Sestoso.
The complaint, however, was dismissed by the Office of the City

Prosecutor for insufficient evidence. The police investigators sought a reopening
of the investigation and are now awaiting resolution on their motion.
15. Carlos Matas
On May 12, 2018, at about 3:30 pm, Carlos Matas, a retired soldier and
volunteer broadcaster of DXCA FM Radio, was ambushed by gunmen along
the highway in the vicinity of Barangay Nuburan in Labangan, Zamboanga del
Sur. The victim was riding his motorcycle on his way home to Pagadian City and
sustained several gunshot wounds. He died on the spot.
Carlos Matas
Suspects in the murder of Carlos Matas
The PTFoMS closely monitored the situation and received information

that at about 5:00 pm on the same date, a hot pursuit operation was
conducted by joint PNP personnel of the Provincial Intelligence Branch
(PIB), Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) led by Police
LtCol Gilzen Niño R. Manese, PIB Chief together with Provincial Mobile Force
Company (PMFC) led by P/LtCol Benjamin B. De Peralta, Jr and elements of the
53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) led by Capt Rodirick H. Alcantara, Philippine Army
(PA) and Labangan Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by Police Captain
Harry R. Velez.
The operation resulted into about six (6) hours of firefight which led to
the neutralization of these suspects who were Killed in Action (KIA): Butchoy
Abdul, resident of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur (ZdS); Bakar Inok, resident of
Brgy. Lower Sang-an, Labangan, ZdS; and Salik Tabina, resident of Brgy. Bulanit,
also of Labangan, ZdS. Another suspect, Arnaiz Alam Kabaro also of Brgy. Lower
Sang-an, was wounded and is now confined at Zamboanga del Sur Medical
Center.
On the part of the law enforcers, P/Captain Aiko R Tesoro was wounded
and rushed to the Hofileña Hospital and subsequently brought to Ozamis City
Hospital for further treatment. Notwithstanding this development, the Task Force
continued to investigate on the presumption that the death of Mr. Matas is
related to his work as a volunteer broadcaster. The latest investigation revealed
that personal motive was the reason behind the killing.
We continue to monitor the case as three (3) of the seven (7) gunmen
remain scot-free. As of this writing, we are still awaiting subsequent progress
reports from the ZSPPO.
16. Jessie M. Cano
Cano of radio station DXSO was shot dead while on his way home to
Aggie Village, Barangay Cadayonan, Mindanao State University (MSU) Campus,
Marawi City, between 6:00pm to 7:00pm on June 23, 2018. P/LtCol Jamal
Adiong, Marawi City Police Chief, said that Cano was about ten (10) meters
away from his home when the shooting occurred. Investigators are looking into
several possible angles for the attack, including Cano being an Army Reservist,
making him a possible target of Islamic State sympathizers.
17. Manny Lacsamana
Businessman and subdivision developer Manny Lacsamana, former

Chair of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA), was shot dead about
11:40pm by motorcycle riding in tandem along Mabini Street, Quezon District,
Cabanatuan City. While he was initially reported to be a media worker,
documents obtained in the course of the investigation show otherwise as media
groups such as the CLMA and Nueva Ecija Press Club, and publications such as
the Philippine Recorder have issued certifications stating that he was not their
member but was one of their most active supporters.
18. Julius Barellano
According to the spot report, upon arriving at his residence and about to
alight on his motorcycle, he was shot by unidentified motorcycle riding suspects
using unknown firearms, hitting different parts of his body. The unidentified
suspects left after the incident onboard a black single motorcycle headed
towards San Carlos City proper. Victim was immediately brought to San Carlos
City Hospital for medical treatment but unfortunately, was pronounced dead
on arrival by attending physician Dr. Maria Fe Leonoras.
In the succeeding Progress Report dated June 27, 2018, it was revealed
during the conduct of the follow-up investigation that the motive of said
incident was a personal grudge between the victim and suspect because of
an argument they had weeks prior to the incident.
19. Nelvie Yu
Nelvie Yu, 29 years old, female, married to Nestor Yu, and a resident of
Barangay Caragsacan, Dingalan, Aurora, was found dead inside a pig pen at
the backyard of their residence last August 4, 2018. She was a reporter at 101.7
Spirit TV in Baler, Aurora.
Initially reported as a case of suicide by hanging, further investigation

proved otherwise as bruises were found on her legs and arms. Furthermore, the
victim allegedly had a heated argument with her husband on the night before
the discovery of her lifeless body. The husband is now considered a person of
interest in the ongoing investigation.
20. Gabriel Alburo
Alburo, radio announcer of DYJL Guihulngan, who is also a candidate for

councilor at Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, was on his way home from the
La Libertad cockpit arena when he was shot several times by two unidentified
gunmen riding in tandem, resulting to his death.
As a matter of protocol, the PTFoMS initially presumes all reported killings

of media practitioners as related to their line of work and takes initiative in the
investigation. Initial report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office,
however, disclosed that before leaving the cockpit arena, the victim had a
heated argument with an unidentified betting rival as they were reported to
have placed their bets on the same side in a cockfighting match. Follow-up
investigation is ongoing until the authorities come up with conclusive findings.
21. John Michael Decano
According to Police Chief Inspector Malu Calubaquib, Spokesperson of

Police Regional Office (PRO) 5, Decano, who works as a beautician and is also
reported to be working as a radio announcer of DWPY Pasalingaya 88.1 FM in
Sorsogon, was found dead at about 1:15pm last January 9, 2019 inside Allan’s
Body Massage and Beauty Parlor on Peralta Street, Barangay Burabod in the
same city.
Further verification, however, disclosed that Decano worked mainly

as a beautician and was just a part-time news correspondent of the
radio station.
Upon receiving report of the incident, the Task Force immediately

coordinated with local police for a speedy investigation. Records of the
investigation show that he was hit on the head with a portable cement stove
and there was no sign of struggle noted on his cadaver. His personal items were
also missing. It appears that he was a victim of robbery with homicide and his
death has nothing to do with his stint as a correspondent for the radio station.
B. ADOPTION OF THE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

The Operational Guidelines (OG) was drafted through the collective
effort of the PTFoMS member-agencies and secretariat and was adopted to
fully implement the provisions of AO1. It contains comprehensive procedures
that cover the investigation and prosecution of cases involving media workers.
It also provides mechanisms for the conduct by the Task Force of activities for
the purpose of fulfilling its mandate.
On January 24, 2018, all member-agencies of the Task Force convened

at the National Press Club of the Philippines, Intramuros, Manila, for the
ceremonial signing and ratification of the OG which was also attended by
officers and members of the NPC, NUJP, KBP,PAPI, PPI, AIJC and other media
organizations. This occasion served as the formal presentation of AO1 and its OG
to journalists and other members of the media in Metro Manila or the National
Capital Region.
C. INTRODUCTION OF THE PTFOMS PROTOCOLS AND

HANDBOOK ON PERSONAL SECURITY MEASURES
FOR MEDIA PRACTITIONERS
The Task Force, in consultation with its member-agencies,
observers or resource persons, and media partners, came up with
what is known as the PTFoMS Protocols
(“Protocols”). The Protocols consists of
rules and compilation of the procedures,
methodologies and mechanisms that
the Task Force observed and adopted
in the course of implementing AO1 and
the OG to ensure a safe environment for
media workers. The Protocols also serves
as a manual for the purpose of assisting
journalists threatened or killed while in the
exercise of their profession. Specifically, it
provides media workers, as well as their
families, the proper action to take when
confronted with any of five different
situations considered as acts of violence:
(a) personal threats; (b) online threats;
(c) actual physical attack, torture, etc.;
(d) surveillance; and (e) killing.
The Protocols was ratified by the

member-agencies of the Task Force and
has been integrated into a comprehensive handbook containing
security measures for media workers and a directory of contact
numbers of the relevant government agencies, including the
PTFoMS hotline, which aggrieved media workers may contact for
immediate assistance. The handbook was launched last October
11, 2018 during the seminar in Cagayan de Oro City which also
coincided with the second year anniversary of the PTFoMS.
D. DISSEMINATION OF THE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

AND PTFOMS PROTOCOLS
In less than two (2) years of existence, the PTFoMS hit the ground running
by immediately taking action on each of the cases turned over to it by the
Philippine National Police. In 2018, it conducted a series of seminars in each
of the sixteen (16) regions of the country for the purpose of orienting the
stakeholders in the protection of media workers of their roles in accordance
with the provisions of AO1 and its OG. Specifically, the ultimate objective of
the seminars is the creation of local PTFoMS councils composed of local police
investigators and public prosecutors that will be in charge of investigation and
case buildup in each city and province. This program was never pursued by
previous administrations and it is only now that the same has been proposed
and gradually, but definitely, being implemented.
The program covered each of the sixteen (16) regions of the Philippines
as shown in the following schedule:
DATE VENUE REGIONS COVERED

08 March 2018 Amazing View Resort IV-A
Mabitac, Laguna
Greenhills ELAN Hotel NCR

27 April 2018 Modern,
San Juan City
III
By the Sea Resort,
31 May 2018 Olongapo City
Hotel Elizabeth, I, II, and CAR

20 July 2018 Baguio City
Luxe Limketkai IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and ARMM

11 October 2018 Hotel, Cagayan
de Oro City
05 December 2018 Iloilo Convention Center, IV-B, V, VI, VII, and VIII
Iloilo City
The seminars were well attended by the stakeholders, particularly the

respective regional, provincial and city prosecutors and law enforcement
officers of each covered region.
In each seminar, the speakers always highlighted the crucial role of the
law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the handling of AO1 cases, as
provided specifically in Item No. 4 of the Definition of Terms of the OG which
defines AO1 Prosecutors as those designated by the PTFoMS to lead Special
Investigation Teams (SIT) in the investigation and buildup of cases involving
violence against media workers. Relative to this, the heads of the various
law enforcement and prosecution offices, and even the heads of the local
government units, have pledged their full commitment to help in the full
implementation of AO1.
E. EXERCISE OF INVESTIGATIVE POWERS

Special Agents of the Task Force were deployed to four (4) Regional
Offices of the Philippine National Police— Police Regional Office (PRO) V, VI,
X, and XI— from April 2-6, 2018, for further investigation of cases that were
reported to the Task Force but the case folders of which have not yet been
turned over since they were requested. The mission yielded very good results,
as five (5) previously unreported convictions of the perpetrators of the killings
of the following media workers were discovered: ROWELL ENDRINAL (Legazpi
City, Region V); MIGUEL BELEN (Iriga City, Region V); MARTIN ROXAS (Roxas
City, Region VI); ARECIO PADRIGAO (Gingoog City, Region X); and DESIDERIO
“JESSIE” CAMANGYAN (Davao City, Region XI).

Shortly after the deployment, further coordination with the PTFoMS
member-agencies likewise provided additional information on three (3) more
previously unreported convictions:
On December 8, 2017, Edmund Bilog was convicted of Homicide by

Branch 23 of the Regional Trial Court of Roxas, Isabela for the killing of Radyo
ng Bayan broadcaster JOSE DAGUIO in Tabuk, Kalinga.

On October 23, 2014, Benji Bate entered into a plea bargaining and
pleaded guilty before Branch 85 of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City for
the killing of media men BONIFACIO LORETO, JR. and RICHARD KHO.

On June 26, 2013, Rommel Lirazan was convicted of Murder by Branch
128 of the Regional Trial Court of Caloocan City for the killing of journalist
ALBERTO ORSOLINO.

The aforementioned convictions would not have been discovered
and/or reported were it not for the efforts of the Task Force. These eight
(8) convictions of killers of journalists, in addition to the previously reported
convictions of the killers of ARMANDO PACE, GERARDO ORTEGA, HERSON
HINOLAN, and ROLANDO URETA, bring to twelve (12) the number of convictions
obtained as of the deployment of the Special Agents in 2018.
F. AO1 PROSECUTORS APPOINTED

The investigation of cases of violence against media workers was
given a big boost with the recent official appointment of AO1 Prosecutors
in the different prosecution offices all over the country.
In a Department Order dated August 28, 2018, PTFoMS Chair

Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra of the Department of Justice (DOJ)
appointed prosecutors presently assigned to handle Administrative Order
No. 35 (AO35) cases as concurrent AO1 Prosecutors. Three hundred fifty
three prosecutors of the DOJ had been previously designated to lead
the investigation of cases assigned to the Inter-Agency Committee on
Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and other Grave
Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons which was
created by virtue of Administrative Order No. 35, Series of 2012 issued by
former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. In a concurrent capacity,
these prosecutors will now lead Special Investigation Task Groups (SITGs)
in the case buildup and gathering of evidence for media violence cases
in accordance with the provisions of AO1 which was issued by President
Duterte to specifically address the issue of media killings in the country.
The official appointment of AO1 Prosecutors on a national level has

effectively put in place the investigatory powers of the Task Force and is
expected to pave the way for the efficient and effective prosecution of
AO1 cases in fulfillment of the mandate of PTFoMS. This development is
another solid manifestation of the Duterte Administration’s commitment to
bring the perpetrators of media violence to justice, as echoed in the words
of Sec. Guevarra: “We will bring our enemies to justice, or we will bring
justice to our enemies; either way, justice will be served.”
G. THREATS AGAINST THE LIFE, LIBERTY AND SECURITY

OF MEDIA WORKERS: Action of PTFoMS on Threats
Made against Media Workers
The Task Force sees to it that all threats made against media workers
are acted upon and investigated by police and judicial authorities and the
departments which compose the PTFoMS, as shown in the following cases:
NAME AFFILIATION ADDRESS DATE OF INCIDENT

LEA GISELLE YLAGAN UNTV-PNP AND DEFENSE NCR JULY 2, 2019
PRESS CORPS/REPORTER
PAMELA JAY ORIAS SUNSTAR CAGAYAN REGION 10 JULY 12, 2019
DE ORO
ROBERT ANTHONY REMATE NEWS CENTRAL NCR JULY 16, 2019
R. MARQUEZ
CARMELA R. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ REGION 3 JUNE 21, 2019
ESTROPE CORRESPONDENT
NOEL Y. PUNZALAN PNA-COTABATO NEWS REGION 12 JUNE 14, 2019
BUREAU/REPORTER/EDITOR
EROLL CONSULTA LEADER NEWS CAR MAY 18, 2019
DECAME PHILIPPINES-CHANNEL
HEAD,ANCHOR
JOHN BYRON PETER C. GMA 7 NEWS STRINGER/ REGION 8 MAY 9, 2019
ALCOBA NET25 CORRESPONDENT
JAIME G. AQUINO THE MANILA TIMES- REGION 1 MARCH 13, 2019
JOURNALIST
APOLINARIO GMA NEWS STRINGER REGION 4-A JANUARY 28, 2019
DEROMA JR.
BRENDA J. GAUDIA MANILA STANDARD- REGION 2 NOVEMBER 16, 2018
CORRESPONDENT
ALFONSO M. SALUDO SAPUL NEWS BULLETIN/ REGION 12 NOVEMBER 11, 2018
ANCHOR NEWS DIR.
EUGENE Y. ADIONG RADYO BANDERA REGION 6 OCTOBER 24, 2018
BACOLOD-JOURNALIST
FRANCIS C. SORIANO AMIANAN BALITA REGION 3 OCTOBER 22, 2018
NGAYON-CORRESPONDENT
JONATHAN MACAILING/ BOMBO RADYO GENSAN GENERAL SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
SALVADOR SANTOS CITY
JULIE ALIPALA PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER ZAMBOANGA CITY SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
ALFONSO PADILLA SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES/ NCR SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

PHOTO JOURNALIST
KEZIEA CABALSE BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES/ BAGONG ILOG, AUGUST 3, 2018

ACCOUNTING DEPT. PASIG
MARCHOFLIX T. DYFM BOMBO RADYO - CEBU CITY JULY 25, 2018
LUCABON OIC STATION MANAGER
FROILAN GARCIA SANKEI SHIMBUN- MARIKINA CITY JULY 12, 2018
JAPANESE NEWSPAPER
WENDY “WENG” PBS RADYO NG BAYAN/ BAGUNG BAYAN, JULY 9, 2018
DELA PEÑA REPORTER TERESA, RIZAL
ANTONIO “TONY” DZME REPORTER MALOLOS, JUNE 21, 2018
ARCENAL BULACAN
MARIO B. BATUIGAS DWBL/ LATIGO HAGUPIT SAN JOSE DEL MAY 31, 2018
SA BALITA MONTE, BULACAN
EDU M. PUNAY PHILIPPINE STAR OLD BALARA MAY 10, 2018
COLUMNIST TANDANG SORA, QC
ELVESTER “CELIZ” ACUIN MUEWS RADIO 107.9 VICTORIA, TARLAC APRIL 20, 2018
COMMENTATOR
KOI HIPOLITO LAURA DZRJ RADIO ANCHOR BATANGAS CITY APRIL 9, 2018
HERMOGENES ZAGITSIT FM/ BRGY. BITANO, MARCH 18, 2018

“JUN” ALEGRE STATION MANAGER LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY
RANIE S. AZUE 104.7 MUEWS TALISAY CITY FEBRUARY 16, 2018

RADIO-ANCHOR NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
RAYMUND VILLANUEVA NUJP - DIRECTOR/ MAARALIN ST., FEBRUARY 2, 2018

REPRESENTATIVE QUEZON CITY
ROMMEL A. RAMOS GMA-7 REPORTER BRGY. BAGNA DECEMBER 25, 2017
MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN
JESUS MALABANAN REUTERS PHILIPPINES BACOLOR, DECEMBER 21, 2017

FREELANCE REPORTER PAMPANGA
KATH M. CORTEZ RADYO NI JUAN NETWORK ANDA ST., DECEMBER 18, 2017
107.9 RADIO NEWS DAVAO CITY
JOMAR CANLAS THE MANILA TIMES- JACINTO ST., DECEMBER 1, 2017
REPORTER CALOOCAN CITY
EUGENE M. ENANO DYSM AKSYON CATARMAN, NOVEMBER 30, 2017
RADYO/ REPORTER NORTHERN SAMAR
EDGAR LOZADA DELIBO PRIME BROADCASTING DIGOS CITY, OCTOBER 28, 2017
NETWORK/ CEO DAVAO DEL SUR
BENJIE A. CABALLERO PRIME BALITA - TACURONG CITY, OCTOBER 9, 2017
REMATE TABLOID SULTAN KUDARAT
EDITO L. MAPAYO DYARYO BALITA/ SURIGAO CITY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

DXMS - REPORTER SURIGAO DEL NORTE
ANTONIO PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER - BRGY. GUSA, AUGUST 21, 2017

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
MONTALVAN II COLUMNIST
JASON DREW PILIPINO MIRROR/ LAS PIÑAS CITY APRIL 22, 2017
PHOTOGRAPHER
BOB CANETE FLORES RMN/ DXM GENERAL MARCH 28, 2017
FORMER BROADCASTER SANTOS CITY
JOE TORRES CATHOLIC NEWS NETWORK TANDANG SORA, MARCH 19, 2017
(UCANEWS) QUEZON CITY
ISMAEL JUAN MANILA TIMES MEDIA HAGONOY, JANUARY 26, 2017
PRACTITIONER BULACAN
JUN PANERIO 105.3 RADYO COGON, DIGOS CITY, JANUARY 23, 2017
KASTIGO REPORTER DAVAO DEL SUR
MANNY PAJARITO DXWM 91.9 FM RADIO MATI CITY, JANUARY 19, 2017
STATION MANAGER DAVAO ORIENTAL
EVA C. VISPERAS PHILIPPINE STAR- BINMALEY, DECEMBER 22, 2016
REPORTER PANGASINAN
MANUEL MOGATO REUTERS NEWS MANILA MANILA NOVEMBER 25, 2016
BUREAU JOURNALIST
JAIME AQUINO THE MANILA TIMES- QUEZON CITY NOVEMBER 23, 2016
CORRESPONDENT
LOURDES ESCAROS RMN/ DZXL NEWS ANCHOR MAKATI CITY NOVEMBER 14, 2016
Attempted Murder of Joel Pimentel
Joel Salinas Pimentel, anchorman of Radyo Bandera News Philippines

in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, was driving his motorcycle from Tandag City
towards Tago, Surigao del Sur when gunmen riding in tandem shot him twice.
Fortunately, he was not hit and managed to escape by speedily driving
his motorcycle. Personnel of Tago Municipal Police Station (MPS) are now
conducting thorough investigation for identification and arrest of the suspects.

PTFoMS Executive Director Usec. Joel Sy Egco immediately
communicated with Police Captain Joemel L Maquiling, Chief of Police (COP)
of Tago Police Station regarding this incident. The COP also coordinated with
the army unit in the area to conduct intelligence gathering to verify the identity
of the perpetrators.
Follow-up investigation is ongoing and the Task Force will presume that
the incident is work-related until investigators come up with their conclusive
findings.
Campaign against Online Threats and Harassment
The Digital Age has ushered in a new adversary in the form of online
trolls/fake accounts geared toward spreading hate in the online community.
This doubles the risk for members of the Fourth Estate whose zeal and
passion for their work may be curtailed by fears of actual physical attacks
preceded by online threats.
In the table above, the cases of three (3) journalists involve online
threats or harassment against them, particularly in Facebook, which they
reported to the Task Force. These journalists were tagged as communists or
terrorists in posts by certain Facebook pages in relation to their published
news articles. These posts were reposted or shared by several Facebook
users multiple times and the comments practically calling for their heads
were enough to raise fear for their safety.
As the Task Force is constantly aware that threats often precede the
killings of journalists, we immediately wrote the Philippine representatives of
Facebook to inform them of the alarming increase of online threats against
media workers, and following the most recent case— that of Ms. Julie Alipala
— for the taking down of the damaging post against her. We also sought
an audience with them to discuss a possible long-term collaboration for the
implementation of measures to neutralize and counter the proliferation of
dubious social media accounts or pages that continue to target journalists
in the active practice of their profession, among others.
The concerned Facebook officials acted on the urgent request

and immediately took down the damaging post against Ms. Alipala
on September 19, 2018 and subsequently scheduled a meeting with
Usec. Joel Sy Egco and his Chief-of-Staff, Atty. Abraham Agamata last
October 3, 2018. This meeting marked another breakthrough as the
Facebook officials vowed to constantly keep in touch with Task Force
representatives for collaboration on future projects geared toward the
online protection and security of media workers.
H. THE PTFoMS AND THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

AGAINST MEDIA VIOLENCE
The Task Force continues to build and strengthen partnerships with both
local and international organizations in the global campaign to protect media
workers against violence.
AIJC, CCJD, and MIPC now part of the PTFoMS
In the first quarter of 2018, the Asian Institute of Journalism and

Communication (AIJC) joined the Task Force and is collaborating for the
creation of a database for media cases. Together with its affiliate, the International
Media Support (IMS), they visited the TF HQ on March 13, 2018 and were given
a detailed presentation on AO1, OG, PTFoMS Protocols, and Vision 2020 Action
Plan. The IMS officials, led by Mr. Lars Bestle, expressed deep appreciation
for the adoption of the IMS principles in the PTFoMS Vision 2020 Action Plan.
In November 2018, the Center for Community Journalism and

Development (CCJD) and the Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC)
became the latest observers or resource persons of the PTFoMS. The entry of the
MIPC is very significant as it will serve as the voice of media workers in Mindanao
in the preparation of the policies and programs of the Task Force, considering
that Mindanao has been recognized as having the most vulnerable provinces
in terms of media violence.
The PTFoMS and the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists
On November 7, 2018, the AIJC together with IMS held the multi-
stakeholder consultation or forum on the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety
of Journalists where the PTFoMS Team actively participated in coming up with
recommendations geared towards the goal of becoming the first country in the
world to craft an action plan for journalists’ safety.
During the forum, the creation of the PTFoMS was lauded by EU

Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen who also expressed hope that
the Task Force will “successfully resolve many issues that continue to hound
journalists and resolve with finality the murders of journalists in the
country.” In the same forum, Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen
recognized the role of the PTFoMS in the country’s improved ranking in
the CPJ’s Global Impunity Index for 2018. Finally, Ms. Lila Ramos-Shahani,
Secretary General of the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO,
also commended the PTFoMS for being hard at work in reconciling the
concerns of media workers with the work that the government is doing.
The 2018 Global Impunity Index of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
and the Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) List of the Top 5 Deadliest Countries
for Journalists
The PTFoMS notes with optimism the listing of the Philippines by the CPJ
as among the countries with improved status in addressing media killings in its
2018 Global Impunity Index despite remaining at fifth place behind Somalia,
Syria, Iraq, and South Sudan.
The report noted that ratings got worse in Syria, Mexico, Brazil and India
but improved in the Philippines, Somalia, Iraq, South Sudan, Pakistan, Russia
and Nigeria.
The CPJ listed forty (40) unsolved cases of media killings in the Philippines
from 2008 to 2018. However, the PTFoMS will still have to clarify the forty (40)
unsolved cases as thirty-two (32) of these reported unsolved cases had been
identified as being victims of the Maguindanao massacre nine (9) years ago.
It is our firm belief that the termination of the Maguindanao massacre case
will totally change the number of unsolved cases in the Philippines and that
a conviction of the principal accused will most likely pave the way for the
delisting of the Philippines from the Index.
Last December, there was more reason to celebrate as the Philippines

was taken off the list of the Reporters without Borders (RSF) of the Top 5 deadliest
countries in the world for journalists in 2018.
45
iii. ptfoms
case data
as of JANUARY 2020
244 CASES INVOLVING

MEDIA WORKERS
NOT KILLING = 64
(26.23%)
KILLING = 180
(73.77%)
From 1986 to date, there are 244 recorded media worker cases
nationwide (Including the Ampatuan Massacre with 31 cases. The
case of victim Reynaldo Momay is for reinvestigation after his case
was dismissed by the court.) Of the total number, 180 are killings
while 64 are not.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE 180

MEDIA WORKER KILLINGS
CC, 102
(56.66%)
80
NWR, 56
70
(37.8%)
60
50
40
WR, 22
(12.22%)
30
20
10
WR - WORK-RELATED (Cases under investigation and ongoing trial)
NWR - NOT WORK-RELATED
CC - CLOSED CASE (PRESCRIBED/ NO RECORD/ CONVICTED,

where the Ampatuan case is included)
STATUS OF THE
22 MEDIA WORKER KILLINGS
UNDER
INVESTIGATION = 5
(22.72%)
ON GOING TRIAL = 17
(77.27%)
As to the status of the 22 work-related deaths of media worker cases,

5 are under investigation, these include those cases where the suspects are
unidentified, no witnesses or no evidence is available, while the other 17 cases
are undergoing proceedings by the court of jurisdiction.
102 CLOSED CASES
OTHER
CLOSED CASES = 27
26%
CONVICTED CASES = 49
48%
PRESCRIBED
NO RECORD = 26
26%
Out of the 102 closed cases, 49 reached conviction of the suspects

which includes the Ampatuan Massacre case, 26 cases were deemed
prescribed and with no records available while 27 were classified as other
closed cases.
27 OTHER CLOSED CASES
8 8 6
4
3
5
2
SUSPECT DIED CNIPC SUSPECT CASE

ACQUITTED DISMISSED
Other Closed Cases include those that reached conviction of the

suspect, where the suspect died, the family of the victim is no longer interested
to pursue the case or there was no case record.
Out of the 27 other closed cases:

- 8 cases where the suspects died;
- 8 cases where the family of the victim as complainant
is not interested to file a complaint or pursue the case (CNIPC);
- 5 cases where the suspects were acquitted by the court; and
- 6 cases were dismissed for lack of evidence and failure of the
witnesses to attend the proceedings.
64 NON-KILLING CASES
SURVIVORS= 6
(9.37%)
THREATS= 58
(90.62%)
Non-killing cases are classified into “THREATS” with 58 cases, and

“SURVIVORS” with 6 cases.
Survivors are media workers subjected to physical attacks with the

intention to kill but managed to survive.
IN MEMORIAM
MEDIA KILLED FROM 1986 TO 2019
EDUARDO S. DIZON RICHARD KHO FERNANDO LINTUAN BUENVENIDO DASAL
FRANCISCO PATINDOL BONIFACIO LORETO JR. CARMELO PALACIO DOMINADOR DOM BENTULAN
GABRIEL ALBURO MIGUELITO RUERAS PONCIANO GRANDE ODILON MALLARI
CELSO T. AMO EDGARDO ADAJAR ARMANDO PACE REYNALDO BANCAIRIN
NELVIE YU JULIUS CEAZAR CAUZO MARICEL ALAVE-VIGO REGALADO MABAZZA
JOEY LLANA EDDIE JESUS APOSTOL GEORGE VIGO DANIEL HERNANDEZ
JULIUS B. BARELLANO NESTOR LIBATON FERNANDO BATUL ALBERTO BERBON
DENNIS D. DENORA ROMMEL PALMA ALBERTO ORSOLINO FERDINAND REYES
CARLOS MATAS ALDION LAYAO ORLANDO MENDOZA ROMEO LEGASPI
EDMUND SESTOSO CHRISTOPHER GUARIN ROLLY CANETE GLORIA MARTIN
CHRISTOPHER LOZADA ANTONIO SILANGON ROBERT RAMOS GREG HAPALLA
MARIE ALEXIS BOLONGAITA GEORGE BENAOJAN RICARDO UY ABDULAJID LADJA
RUDY DAHUNAN ALICAWAY ROY GALLEGO ARNEL MANALO DANILO VERGARA
LEODORO DIAZ JOHNSON BAGTING PASCUAL ROLANDO MORALES NESINO PAULIN TOLING
JOAQUIN BRIONES NIEL JIMENA PHILIP AGUSTIN JEAN LADRINGAN
MARLON MUYCO ROMEO OLEA KLEIN CANTONEROS REYNALDO CATINDIG, JR.
MARIO CANTAOI MARLINA SUMERA MARLENE ESPERAT JOSEPH JOE KRUGER
LARRY QUE CERILLO GALLARDO HERSON HINOLAN ENRIQUE LINGAN
APOLINARIO SUAN, JR. GERARDO ORTEGA ELDY GABINALES EDDIE TELAN
ALEX BALCOBA EDILBERTO CRUZ ROMEO BINUNGCAL SEVERINO ARCONES
ELVIS ORDANIZA MIGUEL MIKE BELEN ROGER MARIANO JOSEPH ALDEGUER NAVA
JOSE BERNARDO JOSE DAGUIO ELPIDIO BINOYA RUBEN MANRIQUE
COSME MAESTRADO NESTOR BEDOLIDO ROWEL EDRINAL NOEL MIRANDA
GREGORIO YBANEZ JOVELITO AGUSTIN NELSON NADURA LEO ENRIQUES III
MAURITO LIM DESIDERIO CAMANGYAN JUAN JUN PALA RAMON NOBLEJAS
NERLITA LEDESMA ESMAEL PASIGNA RICO RAMIREZ MARTIN CASTOR
NILO BACULO, SR. GODOFREDO LINAO, JR. NOEL VILLARANTE LEO PALOMARES
SAMUEL BRAVO OLIVERIO ANTONIO CASTILLO GREGORIO BONIFACIO NARCISO BALANI
RICHARD NADJID CRISPIN PEREZ APOLINARIO POBEDA ROGIE ZAGADO
RUBYLITA GARCIA TIBURCIO TRAJANO, JR. JOHN VILLANUEVA, JR. CESAR MAGLALANG
ROGELIO TATA BUTALID ERNESTO ROLLIN RHODE SONNY ALCANTARA DIONISIO PERPETUA JOAQUIN
MICHAEL MIKE MELO LEO LUNA MILA EDGAR DEMALERIO VIRGILIO PACALA
JOASH DIGNOS ARCEO PADRIGAO DENNIS RAMOS WILFREDO VICOY
JESUS JESSIE TABANAO DENNIS CUESTA CANDELARIO CAYONA PETE MABAZZA
VERGEL BICO MARTIN ROXAS MOHAMMAD YUSOPH
FERNANDO SOLIJON FAUSTO BERT SISON ROLANDO URETA
MARIO SY MARCOS MATARO FRANK PALMA
MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE: 32 VICTIMS

Romeo Cabillo Bienvenido Legarta, Jr. Alejandro Reblando
Marites Cablitas Lindo Lupogan Napoleon Salaysay
Hannibal Cachuela Ernesto Maravilla Francisco Subang, Jr.
Jephon Cadagdagon Rey Merisco Andres Teodoro
John Caniban Reynaldo Momay Daniel Tiamzon
Eleonor Dalmacio Marife Montano Benjie Adolfo
Noel Decena Rosell Morales Henry Araneta
Gina Dela Cruz Victor Nunez Mc Delbert Arriola
Jose Duhay Joel Parcon Rubello Bataluna
Jolito Evardo Ronnie Perante Arturo Betia
Gatchalian Santos, Jr. Fernando Razon
EDITORIAL BOARD
Jose Joel M. Sy Egco

Chair
Abraham A. Agamata
Editor-In-Chief
Aries C. Estrella
Managing Editor
Eder M. Collantes
Contributing Editor
Joan Tricia A. Alcantara

Copy Editor
Kevin Louie A. Laranang

Content Layout Artist
Eileen Cruz-David
Carolina S. Tongko
Production Coordinators
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Maria Florinda Princess E. Duque

Director IV, Bureau of Communications Services
2020. All rights reserved.
PTFoMS 2020 Reinforced, Reloaded

Presidential Task Force on Media Security
Accomplishment Report
October 2016 - January 2020
Published by the Office of the President –

Presidential Task Force on Media Security
2nd Floor, Philippine Cancer Society Building.,
310 San Rafael Street, San Miguel Malacañang,
Manila 1005
Tel. No. 8784-42-86 loc. 4727/28
Email: ptfoms.official@gmail.com

PTFoMS Accomplishment Report (October 2016-January 2020)

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PTFoMS Accomplishment Report (October 2016-January 2020)

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CONTENTS

i. Message from the President 4 Updates on Cases of Media Killings

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

In recognition of the media’s importance in nation-building, I signed Administrative Order No.

Congratulations and I wish you more success.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Congratulations to the PTFoMS and Godspeed to us all!

MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIR

THE BEST DEFENSE

DUTERTE LEGACY SPEECH OF PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MEDIA SECURITY

GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

This is where our story makes a positive turn.

We did not stop there.

The media is vulnerable in terms of:

To address these vulnerabilities, we forged a Memorandum of Agreement with ACT-

CPJ improved ranking

And, finally, as the appropriate climax to my story. After exactly a decade of

Despite attempts by the respondents to further delay the proceedings, Secretary

To show my confidence on the justice system and the commendable efforts

“Mga kababayan, base sa ating imbentaryo ng mga kaso, mayroon pong 15

DID WE FAIL? CERTAINLY NOT!

A testament to PH government’s sincere, honest and genuine commitment to uphold

For the PTFoMS, failure is not an option!

Thank you very much.

On October 11, 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued

This breakthrough in journalism history is so remarkable

The impact of the creation of the PTFoMS, not only

A. UPDATES ON CASES OF MEDIA KILLINGS

Aside from former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor

Meanwhile, those sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty

Fifty-seven of those acquitted include several members of the Ampatuan

The court said the prosecution failed to prove their guilt.

Solis-Reyes also ordered the accused to pay damages totaling to

Out of the 101, 57 accused including indigent litigants and policemen

Eight have already been discharged and/or released including Vice

"Their acts were deliberate and obviously in pursuance of their plan to

Those acquitted were ordered released immediately unless they are

During Thursday's promulgation, the prosecution of 11 government

The Maguindanao massacre, which is considered as the worst attack

While on their way, a private militia of roughly 200 armed men,

PTFoMS celebrates conviction of Maguindanao

Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMs executive director, said the

PTFoMs executive director and Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco

In a previous statement, Egco predicted that it will take “the political

On Thursday, more than 10 years since the massacre, the principal

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said he initially “predicted

On Nov. 23, 2009, at least 58 were killed in Maguindanao province while

The media workers murdered were the following:

the following were among those killed :

4 Ampatuan massacre suspects fall in January:

Based on the latest data received by the

“This government is making great strides in

“It’s a long struggle but the full weight of the

Before Pagabangan, police operatives

Kasim’s arrest was effected just three days

On January 21, PO1 Ysmael Baraquir,

“The 4th suspect to fall into the hands of the

“We will not rest until all of them are under

Last month, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie

On December 19, 2019, Solis-Reyes announced the much-awaited

The 28 were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or a maximum of 40

The PTFoMS vowed to continue to monitor and inform the public on

PTFoMS to launch twin-tack drive

MANILA— To mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in safeguarding