Press Freedom Protection Archives

An Attack on the Press is an Attack on the Public’s Right to Know

THE STATE of press freedom in the Philippines remains weighed down by pressures. Persistent physical attacks against individual journalists are the most visible. Online harassment has risen, fueled by disinformation that erodes public trust in the media. The rise of disinformation has made the work of journalism significantly more...

Community journalist RJ Ledesma among 19 killed in Negros military operation

CMFR/PHILIPPINES — Community journalist RJ Ledesma was killed during a military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on April 19, 2026.

Chinese Embassy accuses PCIJ and journalist contributor of propaganda

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – On February 25, 2026, Deputy Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy, Guo Wei, publicly criticized the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and journalist Regine Cabato on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing them of being tools of U.S. propaganda.

PH Army calls out journalist for reporting “misleading assertions”; CMFR review confirms report was well-sourced

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) released a public statement on February 6, 2026, criticizing journalist Cristina Chi’s reporting on Filipino-American activist Chantal Anicoche. In the statement, the 2ID described portions of Chi’s report as “demonstrably false or misleading assertions” and accused the article...

Radio journalist arrested late at night in Negros Occidental

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – Police arrested radio broadcaster and journalist Erwin “Ambo” Delilan late Monday night, January 19, at his home in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, over an unjust vexation complaint.

Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio Found Guilty of Terror Financing; But Cleared of Weapons Charge

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – On January 22, Community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio was acquitted of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. But the Tacloban City regional court convicted her of financing terrorism.

Broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar shot dead in Albay

CMFR/PHILIPPINES — Bicolano broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar, 54, was shot by two unidentified gunmen on October 20 in Guinobatan, Albay. A radio reporter for Kadunong Internet TV and DWIZ 92.3 South Luzon, he was rushed to the Regional Hospital and Medical Center, where he died on October 21.

After seven years in jail, Myles Albasin and five others acquitted

CMFR/PHILIPPINES— The Regional Trial Court Branch 42 in Dumaguete City has acquitted community journalist Myles Albasin and five others, known as the Mabinay 6, after more than seven years in detention. On September 22, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the charges of...

Journalists Assaulted, Obstructed, and Exposed to Tear Gas During September 21 Manila Protest

CMFR/PHILIPPINES — Journalists covering the September 21 protests in Manila were assaulted, harassed, and obstructed as demonstrations escalated in Mendiola, Recto, and Ayala Bridge. The rallies, which marked the anniversary of Martial Law and called for accountability in the flood control corruption scandal, drew thousands but also ended in...

Journalists barred from covering voting proceedings

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – Several community journalists were reportedly barred from voting and accessing voting precincts for media coverage according to an alternative media organization.