The PNP is saddened by the two latest incidents of violence involving Filipino journalists in Laguna and Sorsogon over the weekend.

We share the concern of members of the Philippine media about these recent incidents as a direct affront to press freedom. And the PNP would like to get to the bottom of these cases and serve the ends of justice.

The shooting of Ricardo Uy of DZRS-Sorsogon last Friday, and the shooting of Robert Ramos of the tabloid Katapat in Cabuyao, Laguna last Sunday are now being closely looked into by police investigating teams.

We are giving special attention to cases of violence involving journalists because of the serious nature of these cases and its implications to the media as a national institution.

Task forces have been organized and dedicated by the Police Regional Offices in Calabarzon and Bicol regions to come up with early solution to these cases.

I would like to reiterate that the PNP looks up at media with high regard both as a vital link to the people, and as a formidable partner in our endeavor to pursue our mission of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.

More than anybody else, the PNP is most interested in seeing these cases solved and the perpetrators put behind bars.

Of the nine cases involving journalists this year, we have solved all seven of the preceding cases, and we are confident that we will make a breakthrough in due time.