EDITORIAL: Milestone or Pause?

FOR the first time in 20 years, no journalist was killed in the Philippines in 2024. This milestone, reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), stands in stark contrast to the country’s grim record as one of the most dangerous places for media workers.

While this development is a welcome development, it raises a crucial question: Is this a sign of real progress, or merely a temporary pause in a long history of media violence?

From 1998 to 2024, the Philippines recorded 149 journalist killings—second only to Iran’s 226. Analysts attribute the drop in killings to a shift in tone under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., compared to the hostility toward the press seen under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

However, a change in rhetoric is not enough. The deep-seated culture of impunity remains, with many past cases of journalist killings unresolved.

Globally, 2024 was the deadliest year for journalists, with 124 media workers killed—more than in any other year since CPJ began collecting data. Conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, and Pakistan accounted for most of these deaths, underscoring the increasing dangers faced by journalists worldwide.

While the absence of journalist killings in 2024 is a positive development, it should not lead to complacency. To ensure lasting press freedom and safety for media workers, Filipinos must take proactive steps:

End Impunity – The government must ensure that those responsible for past journalist killings are held accountable. Swift investigations and convictions will send a strong message that violence against the media will not be tolerated.

Strengthen Legal Protections – Congress should enact laws that provide stronger safeguards for journalists, including witness protection programs, harsher penalties for media-related crimes, and measures against red-tagging.

Promote Responsible Journalism – Media organizations and journalists themselves must uphold ethical standards and fact-based reporting. A well-informed and responsible press can reduce tensions and foster constructive discourse.

Encourage Public Support for Press Freedom – Citizens must recognize the vital role of a free press in a democracy. Supporting credible journalism, rejecting disinformation, and demanding justice for slain journalists are essential actions in protecting media workers.

Improve Security Measures for Journalists – Newsrooms and journalist organizations should invest in safety training, security protocols, and emergency response mechanisms, especially for those reporting in high-risk areas.

The absence of journalist killings in 2024 offers hope, but true progress lies in ensuring this becomes the norm rather than the exception. A free and safe press is not just the concern of media workers—it is a fundamental pillar of democracy that every Filipino must help protect.