Paul Gutierrez no longer media task force head

Paul Gutierrez on Wednesday confirmed that his tenure as executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has expired.

“This is to confirm the expiration of my term as Executive Director, Presidential Task Force on Media Security, effective immediately,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, he extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his appointment in May 2023.

“His decision to continue with the PTFoMS is the clearest message to all that he is committed to creating a safe media environment where every member of the press can practice their profession responsibly, professionally, and without fear,” he said.

He said that during his term, the PTFoMS helped solve five violent attacks against the press under the Marcos administration.

“We also promptly and diligently assisted in resolving all incidents of threats and harassment by the members of the press brought to our attention. Those we assisted can attest to this,” he said.

According to Gutierrez, a list of all suspects in the killing of journalists is also ready for release to the public. He said this is “the first of its kind.”

Aside from this, he said they were also able to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Public Attorney’s Office for indigent members of the press as well as a MOA with the Commission on Elections to ensure the rights and security of journalists during the election period.

FLASH REPORT: Liderato ng Presidential Task Force on Media Security, binakante ng Malacañang. | via @mamutuesday pic.twitter.com/S7aQwy3yGL

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 18, 2024

According to Tuesday Niu’s report on Super Radyo dzBB, a Palace official also confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not renew Gutierrez's appointment. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News