The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, September 29, said its revised guidelines on the release of information on police reports do not curtail the media’s right to information.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean Fajardo said the move only aims to ensure the right information would be released and disclosure of the same would not hamper the investigation of cases.

This came as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Bacolod chapter expressed concern over the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office’s (NOCPPO) move to withhold the names of suspects and victims of crime incidents in their reports, in compliance with the PNP’s Revised Media Relations Policy.

The NOCCPO also said requests for information can be submitted to the respective chiefs of police through the Freedom of Information officers of police stations.

“This is precisely the reason why the NHQ [national headquarters] reminded our line units of the proper release of information, particularly for the members of the media. This is not to curtail your rights or prohibit you from accessing information. This is for us to have a uniform interpretation of the [process of] release of information,” she added.

Fajardo also said there are instances where they cannot release the names of the suspects and the victims, such as cases of rape and violence against persons until these are filed before the courts.

“But once the cases are filed, these become a public record,” she added.

Fajardo also said these guidelines are in compliance with the Data Privacy Act and aim to foster better ties between the police and the media.

“It’s clear in the Data Privacy Act that we cannot just divulge names without the express permission and consent of the concerned individuals. We are taking extra precautions because we have had cases when our officers were charged by certain individuals for releasing their names without their consent,” she said. (PNA)