Mediamen undertake safety training course

CATARMAN, N. SAMAR, Philippines – At least 35 media practitioners from the provinces of Northern Samar, Samar and Southern Leyte were trained on using the right tools during news coverage that may be deemed hazardous.

The training, done during the 3-day seminar-workshop on Risk Awareness and Media Safety Course, was conducted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) at the University of Eastern Philippines in this capital town from April 27 to 29.

Rowena Paraan, NUJP secretary-general and the executive coordinator of the organization’s Media Safety Office told the participants the importance of their safety in their work and in any activity.

She also reminded them of the need to team up with one another instead of trying to out-scoop each other when gathering the news, especially during critical situations.

“Outright communication between media practitioners and authorities can save a would-be kidnap victim or from killing attempt, and can help reduce the danger among media practitioners,” said Paraan.

NUJP-Mindanao Safety Office coordinator JB Deveza and NUJP-Iligan Chapter chairperson Richel Umel, acted as the trainers.

JB handled the First Aid Module, on what to do, and on how to prepare prior to the actual coverage, while Richel concentrated on surveillance, abduction, checkpoint and ambush response. —(FREEMAN)