By Ricky Bautista
IN THE ongoing tensions between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), I urge both sides to honor the media’s crucial role and allow us to report without harassment or intimidation. Our job is to provide an accurate account of events, not to be targeted or labeled by supporters of either side.
From the outset, I have witnessed my colleagues facing harassment and being unfairly labeled as “bayaran” and “bias” by ardent supporters of the KOJC. This hostile environment undermines the fundamental principle of democratic societies: the media must be free to perform its duties without undue interference.
The recent offer from the PNP for journalists to cover search operations only if they signed a waiver and acted as witnesses is particularly troubling. Such conditions not only compromise our neutrality but also endanger our safety. The media’s independence must be preserved; compromising it by involving journalists in police operations undermines the core of objective reporting.
I urge my fellow media workers to make cautious decisions regarding their safety. Forcing entry into potentially dangerous situations, like the KOJC compound, should be avoided if it could escalate tensions or jeopardize ongoing operations. Media personnel need support to navigate these risks while fulfilling their reporting duties.
News organizations must equip their reporters with essential safety gear and logistical support. In high-stakes situations, proper protection is crucial for journalists to operate effectively and safely. Ensuring that our staff are not subjected to undue stress or threats is vital for maintaining the integrity of our reporting.
Ultimately, the current crisis highlights the essential need to uphold press freedom. All parties must respect the media’s role as independent observers. Safeguarding this freedom is critical not only for protecting journalists but also for ensuring that the information shaping public discourse and policy remains accurate and unbiased.
Sa mga kasamahan ko dyan sa Davao City na nag-cocover ng police ops, amping mo diha tanan! Saludo!
