The United States voiced concern over the Philippine government that ordered a shutdown to the country’s top broadcaster ABS-CBN on Thursday, which has been targeted by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We are concerned by the situation regarding ABS-CBN,” said the State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.

“An independent media plays a critical role in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas which is vital to free, prosperous, and secure democratic societies,” she added.

She also stated that the free media was essential in promoting public health amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is true for the United States, the Philippines, as well as countries around the world,” Ortagus said.

Recalling, the ABS-CBN was forced off the air over the stalled renewal of its operating license, which Duterte had repeatedly pledged to block.

Duterte had regularly assaulted the media powerhouse, which he accuses of failing to air his ads during the 2016 presidential election despite accepting payment to do so.

The Philippines is a former colony and treaty ally of the United States but as Duterte takes responsibility for his management tensions have grown policy of cracking down on drugs, a campaign in which police have killed thousands of people.

Duterte bristles at any foreign criticism and barred his cabinet from visiting the United States after the Philippines’ former police chief said his US visa was cancelled.

In February, Duterte also set in motion the process to withdraw from the Visiting Forces Agreement, a key part of the defense alliance.

Despite the rift, Duterte has found empathy with US President Donald Trump, who also frequently attacks mainstream media.

Trump said ending the troop agreement would save the United States money and has praised the anti-drug campaign, a sharp change from criticism by his predecessor Barack Obama.

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