The truth is the only way

THE (We yield this space to the statement of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines’ National Directorate due to its timeliness. – Ed.) NATIONAL Union of Journalists of the Philippines is concerned about negative. Other news outlets in the city were also visited. Colleagues in Cebu a directive to police units nationwide to implement a communications City also confirmed similar visits to the main office of the newspaper chain program that has seen law enforcers visiting media outfits to seek and at least one radio station. “partnerships” to “showcase the PNP’s good deeds.” More worrisome is that the visiting lawmen actually took photos of the

We have obtained a copy of a directive issued to the Cebu City police dated staff at the Bacolod newspaper’s office without asking permission first and, Oct. 2 that “pertains to the optimal use of various media platforms to enhance reportedly, also at the Cebu radio station. the PNP’s operational capability” and is based on the “verbal instruction of NUJP members in Batangas also reported that the PNP in the province CPNP,” meaning PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde. now refuses them access to spot reports, citing a so-called directive from the

While it does not explain how the police should use media to enhance their national headquarters. They are only being given press releases that only cite capability, the directive orders them to “coordinate their “accomplishments” in a clear effort to dictate with local media outlets within your AOR and embark how the local media report on police activities. on partnership programs/activities to showcase the To be fair, there is nothing wrong about wanting PNP’s good deeds” and is “for strict compliance.” good press.

The memo to the Cebu PNP also reminds police However, it is one thing to cover the PNP’s personnel to “always stay composed and steadfast accomplishments, and the media have never been in the performance of their sworn duty to serve and remiss about giving credit where it is due. It is a protect” and “to always observe proper decorum at all times and refrain from totally different matter, though, to seek to recruit the media in a campaign being swayed by emotions in spite of the countless pressures and stresses meant to spruce up the service’s image. that they may encounter in the performance of their duty as police officers.” The truth is, the best way – the only way, in fact – for the PNP to improve

Apparently as a result of Albayalde’s order, our Bacolod City chapter has its standing and earn the public’s trust is simply to fulfill its sworn duty confirmed that policemen visited the local office of a daily asking for positive to serve and protect the citizenry. It fails to do so and no amount of image YOU coverage because most of the news about the PNP lately has supposedly been building can hope to succeed.