28/09/2023
ON WITHHOLDING NAMES OF SUSPECTS AND VICTIMS IN MEDIA REPORTS
We express concern about the revised policy of the Philippine National Police, as relayed by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, of withholding the names of suspects and victims in media reports related to crime incidents.
We understand the importance of respecting the privacy and safety of individuals involved in these cases, but we believe it is equally vital to maintain transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
When the names of suspects and victims are consistently withheld, it can create an atmosphere of secrecy and mistrust, dismissing the PNP's commitment to transparency and accountability to the public.
Withholding the names may also impede the community's ability to assist authorities in their efforts to solve crimes or provide support to victims and their families.
While we believe that there should be clear and consistent policy in deciding when to release names, it is equally important that the guidelines and protocols should strike a balance between the need for privacy and the need for transparency.
We also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the media, as a watchdog, to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement and public office.
Through unbiased reporting, and access to public records, we hold police officers and public officials accountable for their actions to ensure fairness.
It is incumbent that gatekeeping of such information would come from the media, and not the police themselves.
We call on the PNP to reconsider its policy regarding the disclosure of names in media reports to establish a more transparent and accountable approach to strengthen public trust and to foster a safer community.*
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Bacolod chapter
