MANILA — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has expressed concern over the reported arrest of veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. in Quezon City on October 24 in connection with a cyberlibel case, as well as libel complaints filed against several GMA Network journalists and executives.

In a statement, PTFOMS called for respect for Lustre’s legal rights, including access to counsel, communication with his family, and necessary medical assistance.

Lustre’s lawyer, Atty. Dino de Leon, said the journalist was unaware of the complaint before his arrest. De Leon said they would seek bail, request humanitarian consideration for Lustre as a senior citizen, and pursue legal remedies to challenge the arrest.

PTFOMS said Lustre’s reported lack of prior knowledge of the complaint should be clarified through the appropriate legal processes. It also called for the prompt handling of any bail application in accordance with applicable rules, taking into account his age and welfare.

The task force also cited libel and cyberlibel complaints filed on October 23 against several GMA Network journalists and executives, among others, before the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office.

It said the cases had raised concerns about their implications for press freedom, particularly allegations that libel laws were being used to target critical voices, intimidate journalists, and discourage reporting on matters of public interest.

PTFOMS said laws protecting reputation should not be used to harass journalists, suppress legitimate criticism, or restrict public access to information.

It acknowledged the right of individuals to seek legal redress and the independence of the courts, but stressed that complaints must be evaluated fairly based on evidence and applicable law.

“Neither the filing of a complaint nor the issuance of an arrest warrant constitutes a finding of guilt,” the task force said.

PTFOMS said it would seek official information on Lustre’s arrest and coordinate with his lawyer and concerned authorities regarding his welfare and the procedures followed in his case. It also plans to engage media organizations on documented allegations of legal harassment and measures to protect journalists.

The task force likewise called for substantive dialogue on libel law reform, citing proposals by the Commission on Human Rights to remove imprisonment as a penalty for libel and cyberlibel while retaining proportionate civil remedies for proven reputational harm.

It said protecting journalists was essential to safeguarding the public’s right to information and ensuring that media workers could investigate issues and hold those in power accountable without fear of harassment or retaliation. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)