AMID the call of a media organization on making media practitioner covering the anti-drug operation as a witness, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said they will not stop such practice as it is only meant to promote transparency during their operations.
“No, we will not put an end on that kasi that’s one way of showing and instilling transparency. Ito yong pinapakita natin sa publiko that we are transparent in all our police operations,” Albayalde said.
This came after the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) pushed for the repeal of section 21 of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act which requires the presence of media as among three representatives to act as a witness.
Other witnesses include representative from the Department of Justice and an elected public official like barangay officials. The NUJP called for the exclusion of journalists and making it as mandatory for them to be potential witnesses during the conduct of drug operation which will be used for the filing of charges against the arrested drug suspects.
After a drug operation, a media practitioner will have to sign as a witness during the inventory and documentation of confiscated drug items.
“You went there as part of the witness kasi nandoon naman eh kasi that’s a public document. Kinuha mo sa video, may footage ka ni-release mo, that will become part of public document already kasi nakita ng tao, pinublish mo yan,” Albayalde said.
“Ito yong pamamaraan natin upang mawala ang pagdududa ng ating mga kababayan, ang ating publiko sa mga sinasabi nilang rubout and one way also to avoid alleged rubout na yan dahil nadoon ang ating kaibigan na media,” Albayalde added.