Gag order issued to PNP probers

PNP Director General Alan Purisima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines— Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima issued a gag order on police personnel handling on-going case investigation.

Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP public affairs office chief, said only police spokespersons or designated “media relations officer” would be allowed to discuss investigation of criminal cases in the media.

Sindac quickly maintained that Purisima’s order was not intended to withhold information from the public, saying it was prompted by “various infractions” of existing PNP policies by some police personnel.

“Case investigators and police personnel are sometimes pressured to release information (to the media) that unduly compromise ongoing investigation and police operations,” he said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.

“From now on, there should be no (premature) disclosure of investigation being conducted by the police. We also want to prevent incidents wherein the investigator makes a personal opinion on a case, which is still being investigated,” Sindac added.

He clarified that Purisima’s order was not new, saying it was just a reiteration of an existing PNP policy.

The official also reminded police commanders of the PNP’s prohibition on presenting arrested suspects to the media.

“The PNP maintains a policy utmost transparency in releasing information and in obtaining them, particularly on matters of public interest,” Sindac said.

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