The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) swore in new leaders of the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) on April 13, 2026. The ceremony took place at the PTFoMS headquarters in Makati City.
Undersecretary Jose A. Torres Jr. led the oath-taking. He serves as the executive director of the task force. The agency works to protect journalists from violence. It also investigates threats against the media.
Re-elected President Edwin Bacasmas led the new officers. Other officials include Vice President Roy Domingo and Secretary Vivian Marasigan. Treasurer Jun Mendoza, Auditor Bruce Strong, and Director Bernard Testa also took their oaths.
The organization also includes board members Boy Cabrido, Joey Mendoza, and Walter Bollozos. Danilo Bacolod, Noel Celis, and Cesar Morales are also part of the board. Jimmy Domingo, Noel Pabalate, and Nick Sagmit complete the roster.
The groups met to discuss stronger collaboration. They focused on the safety of journalists. They also reviewed the changing landscape of local photojournalism.
The PPP reaffirmed its commitment to ethics. The group aims to protect the integrity of visual storytelling. They serve the truth through their work.
The media recently faced significant challenges. Journalists reported attacks during the Day of Valor event on April 9. This took place at Mt. Samat in Bataan. Malicious claims also surfaced online. Critics alleged that images from the event were recycled from 2025.
The PPP remains firm against misinformation and fake news. The group will continue to foster unity. They intend to defend press freedom for visual storytellers nationwide.
The organization serves as a guiding light. It ensures that ethical and factual photojournalism thrives.
