ACTING on instructions of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M Año, Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Dionardo Carlos, has tasked the PNP communicators to facilitate appropriate police action on issues involving media security in the 2022 National and Local Electionshttps://metrosundaily.com/ National and Local Elections..
“I have designated our Chief PIO, Police Colonel Roderick Augustus Alba as the focal person at the National Headquarters for coordination with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), while the Chiefs of the Regional Public Information Offices will be the counterparts at the different regional jurisdictions,” Carlos instructed.
“The PNP recognizes the role of media in raising the level of awareness in this very important democratic exercise. Media practitioners are sources of relevant information as the country battles this cancer of misinformation and disinformation that disrupts the delivery of the truth,” the Chief PNP said.
“Huge responsibility is given to the media industry. But as the election draws near, the political arena starts heating up. With the possible escalation of tension, media may be caught in the middle of political rivalry and conflict, so there is an urgent need to create that mantle of protection,” Carlos said while recognizing the efforts undertaken to promote peace and order despite the history of political violence in the country.
“The media security concerns may be relayed to their respective national and regional press corps who is our partners in delivering information,” Carlos added noting how media can reach out to the PNP.
Carlos mandates each Regional PIO to work closely with various press corps to create a system of quick response.
“It’s like creating a special desk ready to assist on cases where there is threat and intimidation to the lives of media practitioners,” Carlos said.
metrosundaily
