Ang Pahayagan

PASAY CITY – In a significant move to strengthen the protection of press freedom, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officially formalized its membership in the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the NBI Headquarters.

The event marks a reinforced government front against violence and threats directed at the press. Following the ceremony, the NBI hosted the 1st Inter-Agency Meeting of the year, convening various stakeholders to align strategies for the protection of media practitioners.

The MOA establishes a robust framework designed to enhance the protection of media practitioners through several key initiatives. It prioritizes seamless information exchange to facilitate the sharing of critical data relevant to media-related cases, while simultaneously strengthening joint investigation efforts to ensure that violations against journalists are handled with speed, impartiality, and comprehensive oversight. Furthermore, the agreement focuses on resource integration by leveraging the NBI’s specialized investigative expertise to fully support and advance the Task Force’s mandate.

NBI Acting Director Atty. Angelito DLP. Magno has designated its Investigation Service (OADINVS), Homicide Division (NBI-HD), and Public Relations and Information Division (NBI-PRID) to lead the charge. A dedicated Focal Person has also been appointed to oversee case monitoring and liaison efforts with other PTFoMS member agencies.

With the Bureau’s inclusion in the PTFoMS, the NBI remains proactive, firm, and committed in its mandate to protect press freedom and uphold justice for members of the media,” said NBI Acting Director Atty. Angelito Magno. He further emphasized that under Republic Act No. 10867 (The NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act), the Bureau maintains specific jurisdiction over the investigation of media-related killings, ensuring that such crimes are met with the full force of the law.

The inclusion of the NBI—the country’s premier investigative body—is seen as a critical step in addressing the culture of impunity. By integrating the Bureau’s forensic and investigative capabilities with the PTFoMS’s oversight, the government aims to fast-track the resolution of high-profile cases involving media workers.