Makati police gags newsmen

Apparently to save their necks from their own mistakes, the Makati police banned interviews with reporters concerning stories about crime.

In a directive, Makati police chief, Supt. Jovy Gutierrez ordered his division chiefs and policemen not to grant interviews with the press.

"Only I can talk about serious matters concerning Makati police affairs. All interviews pertaining to controversial or significant events must be done by the chief of police to avoid unnecessary confusion in the facts of the case," Gutierrez said.

In a move seen by reporters as a violation of press freedom, Gutierrez also ordered his men not to release details of any case to the media if the case had not yet been coordinated with Senior Supt. Manuel Cabigon, director of the Southern Police District Office (SPDO).

Alvin Murcia of People's Journal, president of the SPDO Press Corps, said Gutierrez's order is highly assailable since reporters, particularly of print media, have deadlines to meet.

"How can Gutierrez conduct press conferences and briefings when he always leaves his office any time of the day," Murcia said.

Anyone who wants Gutierrez is often left with no choice but to go down to division chiefs or investigators because he (Gutierrez) either is not available or is out of his office, the SPDO Press Corps president added.

"We condemn in the highest possible terms the move of Supt. Gutierrez to ban interviews with the Makati police. Such moves not only curtail the reporters' right to report events in the city to their readers but also (lack) fair play," the reporters said.