UK and partners pledge support for journalist safety in PH

In a continued commitment to promote 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), today signed a new partnership agreement.

The partners came together in reflection of the importance of protecting journalists as they seek to do their jobs.

Following the signing, the UK’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said 

This agreement reflects a shared commitment to upholding the pivotal role that journalism plays 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.

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

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.

This support was provided through the United Kingdom Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Programme, which has provided over Php 880m to projects in the BARMM since 2020. This programme 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.