SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed concern on media killing incidents, following the statement of US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. tagging the country as one of the most dangerous place for the journalist.
“Kailangan mawala itong image na ito dahil napakapangit. We, the police and the media, have to sit down, talk and discuss the matter,” said PNP spokesperson Agrimero Cruz Jr.
“We want to hear your suggestions on how to stop this phenomenon, to prevent such incident dahil lahat tayo ang talo dito,” he added.
Cruz was present at the PNP Transformation Roadmap 2016 Forum held at Camp BGen. Oscar Florendo, the headquarters of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) here.
"Kailangan ng PNP ang inputs from the media and other sectors of society. Kailangan pagtulungan natin ito,” he remarked.
Accordingly, Camp Crame has issued a memorandum to regional and police units for the organization of a media group at their respective areas of responsibility.
“Let us organize, prepare proposals, gather data and inputs. Kung puwede tayong magkaroon ng national registry of media practitioners, why not,” the official said.
He said the National Press Club has initially expressed opposition to the proposal as this might let the members of the fourth estate more vulnerable to threat or assassination.
“There is nothing to worry or fear as what will be listed will only be the name of the practitioner and his media outlet. As part of the group, you have direct access to us and among yourselves," he said.
“Magkakaroon din kayo ng lateral hotline even with the national media. The main objective is to have consultation on how to end this problem,” he explained.
Cruz said the PNP will formulate measures to prevent media killing, citing the involvement of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
“Si PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa ay mahigpit na nag-utos na kapag may mga pangyayari na ganito, dapat immediately mag-organize ng investigation task group para matutukan yong insidente ng pagpaslang." (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre)