The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has announced the launch of the Alisto! Alert Mechanism, a pivotal new system designed to report and respond to human rights violations against media workers in the Philippines.
This initiative coincides with the celebration of National Press Week, highlighting the CHR’s dedication to upholding the safety and rights of journalists as a cornerstone of Philippine democracy.
During the week dedicated to recognizing the critical role of media workers, the CHR has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding journalists, who are essential in maintaining a society informed by truth and justice.
The Alisto! Alert Mechanism will allow press members to directly report incidents of threats or attacks to the CHR, ensuring swift action and support.
CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc has made the welfare of media workers a priority initiative, underscoring the media’s irreplaceable role as a bastion of truth and a watchdog of democratic processes.
The mechanism is part of a broader goal to support the full implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for the Safety of Journalists (PPASJ).
The PPASJ outlines key strategies for protecting journalists, and the Alisto! Alert Mechanism represents a tangible step towards mitigating the risks faced by media professionals.
The CHR’s proactive approach was evident during the National Media Forum held on November 27, 2023.
This event served as a platform for media representatives and the CHR to discuss the challenges facing the press and explore collaborative solutions to enhance media welfare.
These discussions are a continuation of the smaller media sessions organized earlier in the year, where media personnel were invited to voice their concerns.
Chairperson Palpal-latoc’s message at the National Media Forum was clear: The media is a vital component of democracy, and protecting journalists is tantamount to preserving the nation’s democratic foundations.
The CHR has been actively investigating human rights violations against journalists, engaging in policy discussions, public education, and fostering dialogue with various stakeholders to improve the safety of media workers.
The CHR also calls upon the government to address the issues faced by media workers, emphasizing the urgency to dismantle the culture of impunity that endangers journalists.
The commission is prepared to collaborate closely with all branches of government to ensure that the fourth estate—often referred to as the guardians of democracy—remains robust and unimpeded in their critical work.
In times when those who defend the truth also need defending, the CHR and the Filipino journalists call for national attention to the safety of those who report on the front lines.
The CHR emphasizes that the media’s partnership is invaluable in fulfilling its mandate to promote the rights of all Filipinos.
With the Alisto! Alert Mechanism, the CHR takes a significant step towards ensuring that the press can operate in a secure environment, free from fear and intimidation.
