NEWLY re-elected Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) president Froilan Gallardo welcomed a report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) confirming no media killings in 2024.

“Gi welcome nako ang balita nga walay namatay sa 2024,” Gallardo said in an interview. He described CPJ as a highly respected organization and expressed joy over its findings.

According to CPJ, this marks the first time in 20 years that no journalist has been killed in the Philippines.

CAGAYAN de Oro Press Club president Froilan Gallardo speaks to reporters during an interview on February 19, where he welcomed a report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stating no media killings were recorded in 2024. Gallardo also urged journalists to remain vigilant as the 2025 election season approaches. Photo by Edwin Iyo

However, Gallardo cautioned that 2025, an election year, brings heightened risks for journalists.

“In an election year, it’s different. There is danger. Elections are always heated,” he said, urging media workers to remain vigilant.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also welcomed the CPJ report but noted the need for continued monitoring.

NUJP had issued an alert in October 2024 regarding the killing of journalist Ma. Vilma Rodriguez in Zamboanga City.

Authorities ruled her death as unrelated to her work, but NUJP emphasized its policy of presuming all attacks on media workers are work-related until official investigations conclude.