TAGUM CITY — The Philippine National Police follows certain rules in releasing information based on pertinent laws and policies, said Major Anjanette P. Tirador, public information officer (PIO) of Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO).
During the Sayron Ta! Pakigsayod radio program, Tirador, who was the radio program’s guest, wanted the public and the media to understand why some information needed some time to be released to the public, particularly regarding “crucial” cases.
She said the police “strictly” adhere to the PNP Freedom of Information (FOI) Manual, following the process of releasing information to the public and carefully considering that information released won’t create misinformation or disinformation that would lead to chaos.
“Mao na kami sa PNP, ang amo ihatag nga information kadto jud somehow tinuod gyjud, factual ang amoa, to prevent chaos sa situation, ug naa gihapon sa information ang peace and order, plus the fact nga nag-follow mi sa manual on Freedom of Information,” she said.
[That’s why we, in the PNP, release information that is somehow true. Ours is factual to prevent chaotic situations, and the information is aligned with peace and order, plus the fact that we follow the manual of the Freedom of Information.]
The FOI is contained in Executive No. 2 series of 2016, “Operationalizing in the Executive Branch the Constitutional Right to Information and the State Policies to Full Disclosure and Transparency in the Public Service, and providing guidelines, therefore.”
The Executive Order on FOI provides for certain exceptions to access to government information as stated in Section 4, and ensures the Protection of Privacy as detailed in Section 7.
Based on the PNP FOI Manual, Tirador said that individuals needing certain info from the police have to send a request addressed to the unit head, who shall approve the request on which the purpose of getting the info should be stated.
Among the limitations of releasing info that the PNP FOI Manual provides are those under executive privilege related to national security; info on enforcement of operation concerning public and personal safety; information deemed confidential for the protection of minors, victims of crimes or the accused, “especially if the accused would not want to be publicly divulged,” Tirador explained.
On top of observing the FOI Executive Order and the Data Privacy Act, Tirador also encouraged the public to check facts of any doubtful information, and to abide by the Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, or “An act defining cybercrime, providing for the prevention, investigation, suppression and the imposition of penalties therefor and for other purposes.” PIA DAVAO
