The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) – Bacolod chapter is calling on the Philippine National Police to reconsider its policy regarding the disclosure of names in media reports “to establish a more transparent and accountable approach to strengthen public trust and to foster a safer community”.
“We express concern about the revised policy of the Philippine National Police, as relayed by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, of withholding the names of suspects and victims in media reports related to crime incidents”, the NUJP Bacolod Chapter statement issued by its president Marchel Espina said on Thursday, September 28.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office announced on Monday, September 25, that it will be limiting the information it can release based on the PNP Revised Media Relations Policy.
The revised policy is in reference to Republic Act 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act” and PNP Freedom of Information Manual, the NOCPPO public information office said.
The PIO said they can no longer release the names of the victims and suspects, however, they can release details that can’t lead to their identification.
The media will have to send formal requests for information to the chiefs of police through the Freedom of Information (FOI) personnel of each police station, it said.
“We understand the importance of respecting the privacy and safety of individuals involved in these cases, but we believe it is equally vital to maintain transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations,” Espina said.
When the names of suspects and victims are consistently withheld, it can create an atmosphere of secrecy and mistrust, dismissing the PNP’s commitment to transparency and accountability to the public, she added.
Withholding the names may also impede the community’s ability to assist authorities in their efforts to solve crimes or provide support to victims and their families, she said.
“While we believe that there should be clear and consistent policy in deciding when to release names, it is equally important that the guidelines and protocols should strike a balance between the need for privacy and the need for transparency”, Espina said.
It is the responsibility of the media, as a watchdog, to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement and public office, she said.
“Through unbiased reporting, and access to public records, we hold police officers and public officials accountable for their actions to ensure fairness,” Espina said.
It is incumbent that gatekeeping of such information would come from the media, and not the police themselves, she added.*