Beejay Balagbis Posted on Jan. 21, 2026 at 2:43 pm
The Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders (EVMWB) has issued an official statement attempting to deflect accusations of red-tagging members of the Vanguard News team. However, this verbose “denial” is a masterclass in doublespeak and deflection, failing to address the core issue: their reckless and irresponsible actions have put fellow journalists at risk.
EVMWB claims they simply “inquired” about the propriety of the Vanguard team’s video. But their framing of the issue, couched in loaded language and insinuations of security risks, goes far beyond simple questioning. By raising doubts about military protocol, hinting at unauthorized security escorts, and focusing on the women’s “noisy, giggling, and visibly excited” demeanor, EVMWB created a narrative that actively encouraged suspicion and negativity towards the Vanguard team.
The EVMWB defense boils down to “They posted it first!” as if that absolves them of all responsibility. Disseminating a video for malicious purposes is no different from the original posting of one, and their action of spreading it only amplified the so-called “mistake” instead of handling it with professionalism or as colleagues. The responsibility of handling the video then falls on whoever disseminates it, just as much as the original poster does. If the original poster recognized their “mistake” in posting it and removed the video, should the EVMWB not do the same and handle the issue as respected colleagues?
The line that “warning against danger is not red-tagging” is a hollow platitude when the “danger” is framed in a way that casts suspicion on the individuals themselves. The implication is clear: these women, by engaging in this activity, are somehow endangering themselves and others, possibly due to some nefarious purpose. This is precisely how red-tagging operates – by creating a climate of suspicion and associating individuals with dangerous or subversive elements.
The assertion that EVMWB had “nothing to do with its dissemination that made it a trending video” is patently false. Their own social media post, amplified by their network, played a significant role in fueling the controversy and exposing the Vanguard team to online harassment and potential real-world threats.
Their statement also conveniently ignores the context of heightened violence and intimidation against journalists in the Philippines. When media organizations, however unwittingly, contribute to a climate of suspicion and distrust, they become complicit in the broader effort to silence independent voices.
EVMWB repeatedly emphasizes its concern for the “safety of civilians and soldiers” but fails to acknowledge the very real threat it has created for the targeted journalists. True concern for safety would involve taking responsibility for their actions and issuing a clear and unequivocal apology.
Their statement is not a defense of responsible journalism; it’s an attempt to rewrite history and gaslight the victims of their irresponsible actions.
Press freedom is not a shield to hide behind when you are actively endangering your fellow journalists. It is a responsibility to uphold and a principle to defend. The Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders has failed that responsibility, and their hollow words cannot mask the damage they have done.
