IN a continued commitment to promoting press freedom and journalist safety in Mindanao, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the British Embassy Manila, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), The Asia Foundation (TAF), and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), recently signed a new partnership agreement.
This ceremony, which took place on November 23, 2023, at the British Embassy, was held in commemoration of the anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 58 individuals, including 32 media workers in November 2009.
The partners came together in reflection on the importance of protecting journalists as they seek to do their jobs.
Earlier this year, to improve security in Mindanao even the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. met with Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to discuss areas of cooperation that will further improve the security situation in Mindanao.
Acorda said Ebrahim’s visit to Camp Crame was part of the BARMM’s officials’ commitment to peace and order in the region.
“It was an official visit and at the same time to renew commitment to the path of peace especially in the BARMM area. We in the PNP recognized all the mechanisms in place as far as the peace and order situation in the area is concerned,” Acorda said.
Meanwhile, following the signing, the UK’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to upholding journalism’s pivotal role in democracies like the UK and the Philippines.
“By working together, we aim to create an environment where journalists can go about their work safely, free from intimidation and violence,” he said.
The collaborative effort between the UK Government, AIJC, TAF, and PCIJ seeks to address the challenges faced by journalists operating in BARMM, fostering an environment where they can carry out their crucial role in society without fear of reprisals.
The partnership aims to provide comprehensive support, including capacity-building initiatives to journalists on safety, fact-checking, and sensitive reporting.
It will also support their advocacy efforts, and help journalists build platforms to tackle human rights and security issues, enhancing the resilience of media professionals in the region.
AIJC President Olivia Celeste M. Villafuerte said that building BARMM as an integral part of the Philippine democratic system means strengthening and protecting the freedom and ability of the news media to act as the fourth estate.
“AIJC is privileged to be part of this collaboration with the UK Government, TAF, and PCIJ as we help shape the history of an autonomous Bangsamoro regional government by fostering a free and independent press in BARMM,” Villafuerte said.
This support was provided through the United Kingdom Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Program, which has provided over Php 880m to projects in the BARMM since 2020. This program primarily focuses on three interconnected strands, namely: strengthening institutions and the regional parliament; enhancing women’s participation in the political process; and promoting active civic engagement across the BARMM.
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