Oledan: Protocols

COULD media on the recent hostage taking crisis subvert an otherwise bloody end? The House of Representatives is proposing control on media reportage during crisis situations. Under the proposal, media should desist from reporting police and military positions, movements and actions during crisis situations to avoid disclosure of vital information to perpetrators until the crisis situation is resolved.

The move is intended to ensure the safety of victims and the apprehension of the offenders. It would also guarantee authorities to take full control of the situation. It guarantees, however, that once the crisis is settled, media will have full access to information about police of military operations and coverage.

Post your reaction to the Manila hostage crisis

But here lies the challenge.

Media response on crisis and emergency situations are better left to media institutions which are expected to have their own assessment and in-house guideline in news reportage.

Attributing government's failure in properly responding to the hostage incident which left 10 people dead, and passing the blame to the media is not only irresponsible but also suggests lack of accountability.

It is high time for government to recognize and make no excuses on the procedures undertaken by the police and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit. The alleged failure of the media in its news reportage could not justify the lack of coordination among government agencies.

While it may be tempting for national government officials to scrutinize and seek for refinement in the parameters of media coverage during crisis situations, it would do them well to do some house cleaning and review their own responses.

Who should be on top of the situation during crisis and emergency situations? Who should coordinate with whom? Better yet, who should define the protocols in responding to crisis?

Definitely, media alone cannot be blamed for covering an event. The problem lies on the operation and procedure of authorities and how Malacanang and its diplomatic group failed to provide update and ensure the safety of the victims.

It was one thing that the full media coverage of the hostage crisis apparently gave the hostage taker with a 'bird's eye view' on the situation. It was also another thing that government authorities lack the proper training and apparently placed the victim's lives at risk with their lack of coordination.

Both sides could do better by examining their respective response. Meanwhile, the proposal for a news blackout during crisis should be reconsidered.

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