PRESIDENTIAL Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez has stepped down from his post after the “expiration of his term” which took effect “immediately.”

In a statement, Gutierrez, who came from the ranks of journalists, thanked President Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to lead the PTFoMS for “the brief duration of 1 year and 14 weeks since my appointment on May 25, 2023.”

“His decision to continue with the PTFoMS is the clearest message to all that he is committed to creating a safe media environment where every member of the press can practice their profession responsibly, professionally, and without fear,” he added.

Last Tuesday night, copies of a memorandum dated September 12, 2024 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and addressed to Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla about the end of Guetierrez’s tenure as PTFoMS head circulated in social media.

It added that the end of tenure takes effect immediately.

Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez, who confirmed the memorandum yesterday, said the government is still looking for the next PTFoMS head, adding he is set to make his own recommendations to the President.

Chavez, in an ambush interview, said he prefers the next PTFoMS head to come from the media, preferably from the broadcasting industry, who would have a better understanding of the threats and challenges faced by media members.

Gutierrez said under his leadership, the accomplishments of PTFoMS included the resolution of five violent attacks against members of the media that happened under the Marcos administration and two other cases of media killings under the past administrations.

He said the PTFoMS also forged separate agreements with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) for the protection and aid to members of media and conducted eight regional media safety summits nationwide.

Gutierrez also thanked the members of the PTFoMS for their dedication and for supporting his leadership, as well the task force’s inter-agency partners like the National Bureau of Investigation, PNP, Philippine Army, and Department of Justice “for their full support in our joint effort to bring justice to the victims of media killings.”

He also acknowledged Remulla, former Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil Chavez, and his friends in the media for their “unstinting support (that) made the burden of my job satisfying and bearable.”

Before stepping down, Gutierrez hogged the headlines after he was tagged by former Customs officer Jimmy Guban as the one who threatened him to stay silent about the alleged involvement of Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, lawyer Manases Carpio and businessman Michael Yang in drug smuggling in 2018.

Gutierez denied the allegations.

Remulla, in a message to reporters, said his office was “not properly informed” that the term of Gutierrez as executive director of PTFoMS has expired.

The DOJ oversees the PTFoMS and ensures that cases related to media workers in the country, including harassment and killings, are properly investigated. Remulla serves as the body’s co-chair. – With Ashzel Hachero