MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 19, 2014) – Philippine police chief Alan Purisima has told his commanders, especially police units in the country to follow strictly the current policies and instructions on the proper procedures in handling and disclosure of information, particularly those involving operational data on investigative matters.
Purisima said only police stations and operating units with inherent investigative mandate and functions to include all criminal investigations units are authorized to entertain and investigate cases and that only the duty desk officers of any police station are authorized to record incidents reported.
He said there should be no undue disclosure of operational data on investigations being conducted by the police. He said to further enhance the communication capability of police units in handling major incidents, including critical investigation and crisis situations, the police will hold another series of public information and media relations training for all police chiefs starting with the National Capital Region.
Purisima said he instructed Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, who heads the Philippine National Police – Public Information Office, to design a program of instruction and training module on media relations and public information for lower unit police commanders.
Sindac said thge training will include basic understanding on how to properly handle situations that require media relations and communication skills.
The training also aims to re-orient and motivate police officers to be cognizant of the importance of a good working relationship with the media with keen awareness of the limits of disclosure of information.
Sindac also emphasized the police maintains a policy utmost transparency in releasing information to the media or in obtaining them, particularly on matters of public interest.
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