Proper protocol on media coverage during delicate police operations

In a bid to avoid costly lapses and, at the same time, create a harmonious working atmosphere during "bombing" incidents, police authorities here recently conducted a half-day seminar on the proper protocol on media coverage during delicate police operations.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Superintendent Fernando Mendez Jr., said that higher police authorities at Camp Crame issued a directive to conduct seminar, information drive and disseminate the guidelines during bombing incidents for the media.

Mendez said it is very important and a win-win situation both for the police and members of the working press to have mutual understanding during coverage of delicate police operations like bombing and hostage incidents.

He said that covering bombing or hostage-taking incidents, local media men were also advised to observe police line (at least 50 meters away from the scene) and proper protocol at all times.

Chief Inspector Gerardo Andaya, chief of the Police Community Relations Branch, said that under the guidelines,"the media shall not be allowed access to any area or scene of an incident or crime where there is a possibility that evidence may be damaged, altered, destroyed or otherwise prejudiced by its existence being published or portrayed."

Andaya also said that mediamen should look for the designated spokesperson upon arrival at the scene of the crime. If none, stay at the police designated media area (outside of the police line).

Before releasing information, he added, newsmen should seriously weigh the benefits to the public as against the potential harm the information may cause.

He said that it would be better to avoid inflammatory catchwords and phrases and do not report any information intercepted from police communication.

Andaya also said that it will be helpful to explain to listeners/viewers why certain information is being withheld by the police authorities.

Chief Inspector Sabino L. Vengco III, chief of the logistic branch of Bulacan Police Provincial Office and concurrent head of the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD), said covering bombing situations has its dangers and the guidelines will remind newsmen as well as the public to "never attempt to approach, examine, poke, shake, squeeze, open, drop or mishandle suspect packages in any way and report immediately to law enforcers the occurrence of a bombing incident."