BACOLOD City – Better coordination between the police and media averts misunderstandings or conflicts, according to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).
Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, NOCPPO spokesperson, issued this statement after an incident in Iriga City, Camarines Sur where a police chief ordered the arrest of a radio personality who was checking a police blotter for his news report.
The reporter was jailed for three days, which sparked outrage among the country’s media.
Catalogo explained that blotter reports are public documents, although prior permission is needed before the media can view the documents.
However, he emphasized there will be instances where a reporter should not reveal the victim’s or the suspect’s identity, especially if the incident involves abuse.
Catalogo explained that holding information such as the victim’s identity, especially if they are women or minors, is very important to protect their rights and prevent possible “victim shaming.”
In Negros Occidental, Catalogo said they have not recorded such incidents, owing to better coordination and police commanders maintaining close ties with media members.
On Aug. 2, Radyo Natin 107.1 Iriga City reporter Jose Rizal “Jorez” Pajarez was arrested after he accessed the police station’s blotter, allegedly without the permission of police chief Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Jason Oida.
Pajarez was charged with violating the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Oida was later relieved of his post, while Philippine National Police chief Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered an investigation.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security has called on Oida to drop the charges against Pajarez. (Watchmen Daily Journal)
