November 19, 2024 - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the malicious doxing of Menzie Montes, a radio presenter based in Cagayan de Oro, and another Filipino journalist, by a "fictitious Facebook account" on November 4. This unlawful act of intimidation targeted Montes using personal data reportedly sourced from the city’s Housing and Urban Development Department.

Releasing any journalist's personal information as a form of retribution is a direct attack on press freedom. It not only endangers their safety but also undermines their right to free expression. The safety of journalists in the Philippines remains deeply concerning, with at least 200 killed since the return of democracy in 1986. Over the past five years, Women Press Freedom has documented 23 cases of threats specifically targeting women journalists.

The doxing of Montes underscores the grave violation of privacy, with her rights under the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 blatantly disregarded. This act suggests that journalists like Montes should not criticize the government, insinuating that they benefit from government programs like housing.

We demand that Philippine authorities immediately investigate the doxing of Menzie Montes and take swift action to ensure the protection of citizens’ data. Those responsible must be held accountable to safeguard both press freedom and privacy.