NPD holds security seminar for mediamen

Alarmed over a spate of media killings in his jurisdiction, Northern Police District (NPD) director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil held yesterday at NPD headquarters a security orientation seminar for reporters covering the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area.

A total of 49 print, radio and TV reporters attended the three-hour orientation. Bataoil kept on reminding participants that the most important thing one must do when one’s safety is in peril is to report to the police.

"My guidance to my chiefs of police is to open their direct communication lines with the media. We are just a text away," Bataoil assured the media practitioners.

Superintendent Jimili Macaraeg, NPD intelligence and investigation division chief and Bataoil’s consultant on security matters, briefed the reporters on methods used to detect whether they are subject to a surveillance operation by their enemies.

The reporters were also taught basic techniques on how to conduct counter-surveillance and how to evade surveillance.

Superintendent Billy Beltran, Valenzuela City police chief, reminded the reporters to always maintain their presence of mind in times of emergency.

"Once you are aware of the threat, you must always maintain your level of alertness, especially when you are outside your house or office," Beltran said.

Bataoil assured Camanava reporters that they can personally reach him for assistance, whether their problem is work related or personal.

"What is important is nothing wrong happens to you," he said.

The NPD chief stressed that he is not encouraging the arming of mediamen to fight the threat. Bataoil said he is willing to provide security to mediamen, depending on the situation.

Part of the NPD’s effort to protect reporters in Camanava is the putting up a of 24-hour media desk that will cater only to reporters’ problems.

"I hope this will spell the end to media killings here in Camanava. All eyes are now on us," Bataoil said.

At least two photojournalists, Roberto Orsolino, and his cousin Prudencio Melendres, and television news cameraman Ralph Nuñez have been murdered in Malabon and Caloocan City this year.

Malabon police chief Senior Superintendent Moises Guevarra said that if Melendres had informed his office of the death threats he was receiving, the police could have assisted him.

Police only learned of the threats to Melendres from his widow, hours after he was gunned down.