Police officers seen as bridge of information in communities

 Police officers seen as bridge of information in communities

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Police Regional Office in Calabarzon emphasized that police officers today are not only law enforcement operatives but can also serve as reliable sources of information, as several officers were equipped with mobile journalism and basic photography skills on Monday, April 20.

PRO CALABARZON Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Hansel Marantan led the initiative, where he expressed his belief that in the era of digital media where misinformation and disinformation have become more rampant, police information officers, who serve as information frontliners, must be properly trained in utilizing social media and guided by discipline and credibility.

“Ang bawat kilos at mensahe ng kapulisan ay dapat nakaangkla sa S.M.A.R.T. o Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Resourceful, at Time-bound. Higit sa lahat, ang impormasyong ating inilalabas ay dapat tama, mapagkakatiwalaan, at may kredibilidad, sapagkat ang tiwala ng publiko ay nakasalalay sa katotohanang ating ipinapahayag,”

Marantan then described police information officers as bridges of information to communities, tasked with showcasing the accomplishments and undertakings of the Philippine National Police in their respective areas of responsibility.

“You are a reporter now, of things that we do, dito sa PRO CALABARZON. You are not just law enforcers now, tulay na kayo sa mga community kaya dapat magaling kayo mag-communicate,” the regional director said.

He added that it is crucial for the PNP to ensure that all reports, photos, and videos disseminated to the public undergo a proper vetting process to guarantee that they are verified and accurate, thereby helping reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

Patrolwoman Carlota Regionia, one of the workshop attendees, said they use social media to release information in a timely manner, making the initiative both relevant and beneficial to their duties in their respective stations.

“Inaasahan ko na sa kahit sa maikling panahon ng workshop na ito ay madagdagan ang aking karunungan, kaalaman, knowledge, at skills sa pagsasagawa ng komprehensibong report galing sa istasyon upang malapatan natin ng angkop na narrative para sa kaalaman ng publiko sa pamamagitan ng pinakamabilis na platform na social media,”

Police officers were also trained on current trends in the media industry, including mobile journalism. The workshop further focused on properly documenting events for effective, clear, and credible storytelling as a means to build public trust and promote peace and order in communities. (CH/PIA-Laguna; with reports from RPIO IV-A)