Verzosa clarifies the memorandum he released but will not retract on designating spokesperson that will answer media’s questions

Miami
November 7, 2008
Story: Verzosa clarifies the memorandum he released but will not retract on designating spokesperson that will answer media’s questions

Police Director General Jesus Verzosa, Chief of the Philippine National Police explains the memorandum he released but said it will not retract its plan to designate a spokesperson in each police station.

The memorandum pertaining to the “Decentralization of the Functions of the Public Information Office” sparks controversy because it states that any information in the police blotter should not be made available to the public and media “without proper authorization from the Head of Office or unless the disclosure is in compliance with a lawful order of the court or any pertinent authority. “

Verzosa explained that their objective, “To speed up on disseminating the information to the media for the information of the public.”

With this, according to Verzosa, the information will not only be concentrated to the office of the Chief of Public Information Office (PIO) in Camp Crame or the office of Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesperson.

The desk officer who is the one really in-charge of the blotter will be the one designated to allow the media to have access on the blotter and what information on the blotter they should get. The reporter has to present its proper identification card to the desk officer.

To have no confusion on what to release and not, Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR) Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil said that there will be two blotters; one for confidentiality report and the other one will be open for everybody.

In the “confidential blotter” all reports about rape, kidnap, abuse on women and children or minor, on-going hot pursuit operations will be written there. Bartolome added an investigation report, which will have complete details, will be made available once the investigation is finished or case close already.

Verzosa also said that if there is big crime incident happen the designated police spokesperson should conduct a press briefing after two hours.

“We do not want to curtail the blotter, but we do not want also unauthorized person to look at it just for the sake of gossip because it involves probable violation of honor to the victim and suspect,” Verzosa said.

The Chief of the PNP also said that they are urging all that will be designated spokesperson of each stations to be always present, always be available to answer the questions of the media. “Commanders on each stations should be aware and should know what is happening on their area, and they should be the one can explain this to the media.”

If he will be called again at the Senate, Verzosa said he is willing to appear at the Senate to explain the memorandum.

Bataoil added that he already explained to Press Secretary Jesus Dureza the memorandum, “I already explain this to Secretary Dureza, they understand the memo and he already issued statement in support of what we did.”

Verzosa and Bataoil also said that Sr. Supt. Lina Sarmiento, Chief of PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) already went to the office of Commission of Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima to explain the mater.