PNP to distribute security handbook to journalists

MANILA, Philippines - Admitting that the police cannot secure members of the Fourth Estate all the time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) published a handbook for journalists to prevent media killings.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said the 48-page Handbook on Personal Security Measures for Media Practitioners that the PNP printed would be circulated by regional police offices and local media clubs.

“The police can never secure every single citizen every minute of the day. But studies suggest that some of the deaths could have been prevented if a few basic precautions had been followed,” Bacalzo said.

“The intention is to provide media practitioners with the basic knowledge and practical skills in securing themselves and their family, determining possible threats and improving communication among all concerned including local PNP units,” Bacalzo said.

He added that the program is part of continuing efforts to provide protection to journalists who face threats due to the nature of their profession.

Bacalzo called on media practitioners to study and internalize the precautionary measures laid out for them.

President Aquino earlier ordered the PNP to immediately resolve the killings of journalists.

The PNP reported that a total of 39 journalists were killed during the nine-year administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 28 of the cases have been resolved.

Meanwhile, three journalists were killed in a span of one week last June.

The Philippines has been described by press monitors as one of the most deadly environments for the media profession. – With Mike Frialde