KBP refuses to sign pact on coverage

CEBU, Philippines - The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Cebu Chapter refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding during crisis situations between the local media and the local police during the 24th Quarterly Meeting of the Cebu Citizens Press Council yesterday citing a provision on news blackouts.

Though the president of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists Elias Baquero signed the MOU, KBP-Cebu President Ruphil Bañoc said that there is a provision in the MOU they consider a violation of prior restraints or an unconstitutional attempt to prevent publication or broadcast of any statement. 

“Naa silay gibutang nga temporary blackout, unya kinsa may mo-determine og blackout, ang police?... So murag mi-surrender ta sa atong rights and that is a violation of prior restraints,” he said.

This same concern was brought up three months ago by the KBP-Cebu to the CCPC who proposed to draft the MOU. 

However, KBP-Cebu said they respect their members who choose to sign the MOU.

Bañoc also said the KBP Code “is enough to police their ranks”.

Though the MOU has gone through several revisions following some concerns raised by KBP-Cebu, the organization still considers the MOU as a threat to the local media community.

The KBP amended their code to be at par with the current advancements and challenges the media is facing.

“Ing-ana kaseryoso ang KBP labot aning pag-coverage, wala nami nanginahanglan og MOU…Wala mi mi-sign kay naa na mi KBP Code, kay naa na tanan sa KBP Code, in fact seryoso man pud ang KBP sa pag-police sa iyang kaugalingong ranks,” Bañoc said.

Police Regional Office–7 director Ager Ontog describes the local media as a vital part of their operations, adding that he is very happy for the MOU.

“Napakagandang agreement upang mapangalagaan ang safety nga lahat nga concerned during crisis situations gaya nang mga members ng media, law enforcement or military and general public,” he said.

Though the MOU does not include any sections to any parties, the document however “is an understanding between the media and the law enforcement agency upang mas coordinated ang coverage nga media.”

Respect, he said, should always be present between the media and the law enforcers during crisis situations.

“We understand as members of the media (you) have a responsibility to the community. Likewise, as police also have a responsibility to protect your safety,” he said.

He said that as policemen, they need to be transparent to the media, adding that media practitioners in Cebu have supported them in their endeavors.

“Thank you for helping the PNP,” said Ontog who is going to be replaced on Monday.

The MOU was proposed after the August 2010 Manila hostage crisis in which several Chinese tourists were killed during a hostage-taking at Rizal Park.  (FREEMAN)