ILOILO City – Amid growing concerns over media harassment and shrinking press freedom spaces nationwide, journalists in Iloilo have revived the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Iloilo Chapter, vowing to rebuild a stronger collective front to protect the rights and safety of media workers.
The chapter’s revival was formalized during a general assembly and election of officers held on Saturday, October 11, gathering journalists from various news organizations and academic institutions across the city and province.
NUJP National Chairperson Jonathan de Santos administered the oath of office, while NUJP Secretary General Len Olea led an orientation on the organization’s mission, vision, and core principles.
Olea also presented the NUJP’s structure, programs, and ongoing campaigns promoting journalists’ rights and press freedom.
The assembly featured a risk mapping workshop that examined the state of press freedom in Iloilo, identifying persistent threats such as political pressure, legal harassment, online attacks, safety risks, and economic insecurity among journalists.
Participants also discussed strategies to improve protection mechanisms and strengthen collaboration among media practitioners.
Following the workshop, newly elected officers conducted a planning session outlining the chapter’s 2026 priorities — including setting up coordination mechanisms, defining accountability measures, and developing a roadmap for sustained engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
Elected as officers were Rjay Zuriaga Castor as chairperson; Tara Yap as vice chairperson; Juliane Judilla as secretary general; Joseph Bernard Marzan as treasurer; and Allaine Kate Leda as auditor. Serving as safety officers are Ma. Theresa Ladiao of Panay News and Julrod Prino./PN