The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has urged all media practitioners to report security threats, intimidation or harassment that they may face while covering the May 12 elections.

In an interview on Friday, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said their security preparations are aimed at protecting the public, the political candidates and media practitioners during the midterm polls.

“One of our priorities is to cultivate healthy communication and a harmonious relationship between law enforcement and the media, ensuring a collaborative effort in safeguarding press freedom,” he said.

Dizon noted that to date, no incidents involving journalists have been reported to them. He encouraged media practitioners to report any incident directly to their local police stations, specifically to the police chief.

“The public information officers at every station, from provincial to regional levels, will serve as the primary contacts for media security. The reactivation of this program reaffirms the PNP’s commitment to fostering an environment where journalists can perform their duties safely and without fear of intimidation or harm,” he said.

Dizon said this initiative is part of the PNP’s ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and security of media personnel, especially during the election period when journalists often face heightened risks of threats, harassment and violence.

PRO-5 conducts weekly monitoring of threats, intimidation, and harassment against media practitioners under the Media Security Vanguards initiative launched in January 2022.

“This monitoring aims to effectively track risks to journalists’ safety, allowing authorities to respond quickly and appropriately,” Dizon said.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with several key institutions, including the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Commission on Elections. (With a report from Princess Atule, OJT/PNA)