The International Federation of Journalists on Wednesday urged the government to extend protection to Filipino journalists Rey Briones and Turing Sante after they received threatening messages via text.

Briones, 29, a co-anchor of the radio show "Mga Bida ni Ojeda" on dwKI-FM in Lucena City, said he received the threatening text message on October 20. The text message also mentioned Sante, who is Briones' co-host on dwKI-FM.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Briones is known for  tackling issues such as corruption, governance and the environment in his radio show and articles in the local tabloid Southern Tagalog Banner.

The message also reportedly mentioned Sante, Briones' co-host on dwKI-FM.

The threats came after two Davao City-based journalists -- Erin Lumosbog of Radyo Ronda on the RPN9-dxKT network, and James Pala of Radyo Rapido -- also received threatening messages for reporting on alleged extortion activities by local councilors last October 10.

"This apparent pattern of members of the public attacking and threatening individual journalists for unfavourable reporting is abhorrent and must end," said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

The IFJ said local journalists and media institutions should ensure their safety and report similar threats to the police. It said the police should provide full protection for each individual and their families until the perpetrators are found and brought to justice.