BALER, Aurora, June 11, 2011-To uphold true broadcast and journalistic values, Aurora provincial director, Police Senior Supt. Ervin “Jojo” B. Gumban led a two day enhancement training on news writing and broadcasting for the 35 Philippine National Police (PNP) newly designated as police information officers here at Camp Captain Victor Ravina, Brgy. Sabang last June 9 to 10, 2011.
Cops participants highlighted the need of upholding the high values of journalism, especially within the new security environment in which there is a clear danger of losing the truth and credibility when faced with violence and hostile ground realities.
The views were put across during the workshop organized by SPO2 Desiderio “Ding” M. Noora, Aurora over-all PNP spokesman in collaboration with the different point of views of the police, saying that the true journalistic values had been compromised a bit since each media outlet constantly tries to outshine others in the race of broadcasting breaking news; however, the police agreed that in the face of tremendous challenges face by the media, there are still journalists out there who do not compromise on facts and truths and those are the real unsung heroes and flag-bearers of the profession.
The participants said that determining the national interest was too important business to be left with the security institutions to protect the welfare of the people in the province.
They said that the parliament, civil society and the media must get together to evolve a consensus over what constitutes national interest. Cops participants also highlighted the dilemma of how some stakeholders, through their vested interests, tried to influence media through money and advertisement revenues.
Noora believes that the freedom of speech and freedom to write is a responsibility. Without responsibility and accountability, freedom and independence could become harmful.
“There are numerous factors out there which hamper the pursuit of truth and threaten the journalists’ integrity,” Noora said, explaining that the Aurora cops realized to establish police spokesman to give the truest information to the people without fear.
Noora said that the seminar is intended for the creation of Aurora PNP press corps, the creation of radio program on DZJO FM which is run by the catholic and the establishment of “Pulis Silangan” a police news letter to be circulated in the entire province next month.
He furthered that the seminar will also serve as the central source of information release by the police; assist the media in covering routine news stories; prepare and distribute news releases; arrange for, and assist at, news/press conference; coordinate the release of information that concerns confidential police operations and/or investigation; provide information openly and honestly to contribute confidence, trust and respect in the police force among others.
“I think this is the first province which has been organized here in central Luzon to disseminate information to the public from the police force,” Noora ended. (Jason de Asis)
