DIALOGUE FOR SAFETY. Police Chief Master Sgt. Aurelio Bodo (in uniform), provincial chief of the Negros Oriental Highway Patrol Group, speaks with the media on Thursday (June 8, 2023) to discuss security concerns. The dialogue/consultation comes as the Presidential Task Force on Media Security ordered the strengthening of ties with the media. (PNA photo by Judy Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in Negros Oriental on Thursday assured media practitioners in the province of their safety.
Police Chief Master Sgt. Aurelio Bodo, HPG-Negros Oriental chief, called for a dialogue with media practitioners covering the province to discuss issues concerning their security while performing their duties.
Bodo initiated the dialogue after the higher-ups in the PNP directed them to establish good relations and to open communication with the local media.
“We called for this dialogue and coordination to know about your issues and other concerns as regards security, especially concerning your profession,” he told at least nine members of the local media whom he met at the HPG office here.
A memorandum was issued on Wednesday, ordering HPG units to connect with the media in their respective areas and determine security issues, including threats, harassment, and violence, Bodo said.
The memorandum also referred to the request of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to designate focal officers/representatives for media security “as a first line of defense in times of harassment and violence.”
The directive also includes Public Information Officers of various PNP units across the country to step up media security after the recent attack on a journalist in Oriental Mindoro.
Meanwhile, Bodo said they are currently looking into at least two complaints from media members who reported suspicious vehicles that may be a threat to them.
He declined to give details for safety reasons but reassured them that they are looking into it.
The HPG provincial chief is also eyeing to hold a seminar with the media on how to detect and determine possible threats involving motorists who could be tailing them. (PNA)
