During the elections, Police: We can't assure safety for all

CEBU, Philippines - With the limited manpower, the police can’t secure every individual, much more secure every media member covering the elections.

During yesterday’s dialogue with the Cebu media for the May 13 elections, Police Regional Office-7 director Marcelo Garbo said anything can happen to a media reporter, just like to an ordinary civilian and even to a police officer.

“During election, anything can happen to anybody. Just because you’re a reporter, it doesn’t mean it’s a passport to be protected,” Garbo said.

The Cebu Citizens Press Council (CCPC), which hosted yesterday’s dialogue, presented scenarios between police and the media, from interviews and press conferences to safety of journalists on election day.

Just like any other individual, Garbo said it’s the judgment call of a reporter covering the elections when faced with tough situations.

“You assess the area. You just don’t come in and say you’re a reporter. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t come in,” Garbo said.

Even police officers are not spared from violent incidents, the PRO-7 director said, citing a recent incident in Mandaue City in which two police officers were mauled by four men despite introducing themselves as policemen.

An election-related violence involving the media happened in 2007 in Bogo City when a newspaper photographer was mauled by six men while he was covering the transfer of ballot boxes.

To prevent such incidents from happening again, Garbo assured that they would carry out preventive measures to secure a peaceful and orderly election this year.

He mentioned that the 2010 election was more peaceful compared to the 2007 polls.

“As a policeman of PRO-7, we’re doing everything to lay down a secured environment.  Seryoso tayo sa no guns, no goons (policy),” Garbo said, stressing the police will religiously conduct checkpoints as one way to counter violence.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director, Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, said he has sent personnel to Bogo City to respond immediately to any election-related alarm there.

On election day, Garbo said the police will not just focus their security on the elections, but will still have to do their primary functions.

“It has its primary functions also like the enforcement of the law, prevention and control of crimes, maintenance of peace and order, ensure public safety and internal security,” Garbo said, adding “mabigat na trabaho ang elections.”

Yesterday’s dialogue was part of the ongoing effort of the Cebu media and the PRO-7 to improve coverage of the elections next month.

The dialogue was held at the Election Media Center at the PRO-7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña, Sr., Cebu City. — /LPM (FREEMAN)