PNP chief Gen Benjamin Acorda Jr. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that vlogger Rendon Labador’s live streaming of a police operation at an online lending company in Makati City may have been a violation of its media relations policy.
Labrador, on October 20, livestreamed a police operation against a lending company which allegedly harassed clients, in partnership with PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP – ACG) in its “Boses ng Bayan” program.
The live video drew the ire of the relatives of the company employees when their faces were shown.
“As of now we are looking into the possible violation of memorandum circular (MC) 2023-053 entitled revised media relations policy dated Sept. 11, 2023,” said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. in a press conference.
Acorda explained that under the said MC, media personnel are only allowed to cover the physical inventory of evidence, and not the police operation itself.
“Embedded media during police operations shall not be allowed, however, media representatives shall only be present during the physical inventory of evidence as provided for by RA9165 section 21,” Acorda said, citing the memorandum.
Acorda said that the guidelines also include the following conditions:
- Only photos, names and details of crimes committed, [that have been] validated are published and disclosed to the public.
- Avoid premature release of information that may interfere with the investigation or apprehension such as the nature of leads and other specifications
- Avoid opinions or speculations on all incidents
- Ensure that press releases and statements are based on the investigation
- Avoid releasing information upon arrest and formal charging of suspect, prior to adjudication, unless there is an express permission
When asked if it is true that the PNP-ACG and Labador has a partnership for “Boses ng Bayan” program, Acorda said that they are still looking into it.
PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIMD) director PMGen. Eric Noble, for his part, said that they had already issued a memorandum directing the involved police official, PNP-ACG spokesperson PLT. Michelle Sambino, to explain the details of the incident.