ON THE GO. Chief Supt. Gerry Barias, PNP regional director, lauded the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) for its support and mutual cooperation in the promotion of press freedom during the Aklan Media Summit closing program held in Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort, New Washington, Aklan.
Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director Chief Supt. Gerry Barias said, "the police fully respects the freedom of the press in the wake of extra-judicial killings of journalists."
This he stressed during the closing ceremony of the first-ever Aklan Media Summit of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) and the Aklan provincial government at Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort last Sunday, October 29.
"The journalists based in the urban centers and the provinces are very important bulwark of press freedom in our country and we take pride in having the liveliest and most democratic media in this part of the world," Barias said.
He also lauded the PAPI for its promotion of the practice of responsible journalism among its members and the mutual support and cooperation being given to the police.
"PAPI is at the forefront of efforts to re-orient the mass media industry towards developmental journalism and the responsiveness to the national objective to all parts of the country through a concerted effort among government, industry, business sector, NGOs and media," said Barias, who represented PNP Director GeneralOscar Calderon.
The farewell party for some 100 delegates of the four-day summit from October 26 to 29, 2006 was graced by PAPI president Juan P. Dayang, Aklan Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino and former Aklan solon Allen Salas-Quimpo.
COMMON CONCERN
Barias added, "the local police shares a common concern on the much-publicized incidents of violence against members of the media in some parts of the country, including Bombo Radyo Kalibo station manager Herson Hinolan."
"The PNP condemns these attacks on individual victims collectively as a blatant assault on press freedom and the democratic right to free-expression that we all enjoy. In every case brought to our attention, we do our level best to bring the perpetrators to justice," Barias stressed.
PNP, under the stint of Calderon, has vowed to get to the bottom of the senseless murders that had been committed, resolve the unwarranted killings and uphold everyone’s right to life and peaceful living.
"Whether a case may be work-related or not, a case of slain journalist is one murder too many deserves swift police action," he stressed.
TASK FORCE USIG
Barias also praised the efforts of PNP Task Force Usig investigating the prosecution of those behind the murder of journalists in the country.
"We have made a significant headway in putting into motion a stronger partnership and collaborative action as a confidence-building measure such that the solution efficiency rating has been remarkably unprecedented," he added.
Barias pointed out to the creation of an independent Melo Commission which helps solve more cases and more perpetrators will be put behind bars.
"The investigation of these cases of violence committed against journalists and members of militant organizations has now become a multi-sectoral and inter-agency total approach," he said. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
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