for GOOD POLICE-MEDIA PARTNERSHIP: Police chiefs undergo Data Privacy Act gab
By KEREN ANNE BERNADAS
THE 36 Chiefs of Police from city and municipal police stations across the province of Camarines Sur gathered recently for a seminar aimed at refreshing their understanding of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The seminar took place at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO) Multipurpose Building.
The event, titled Seminar on Media Access to Police Reports, served a dual purpose. According to PSSG Gerald Corporal from the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office-Public Information Office, it not only provided a refresher for the Chiefs of Police but also offered guidelines and protocols to members of the media on accessing information and data from police blotters and the Crime Information, Reporting, and Analysis System of the Philippine National Police.
These crucial topics were presented by Police Major Ma. Victoria Abalaing, Public Information Officer of the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office.
The need for this refresher seminar arose following a recent incident in which a local reporter was arrested and detained at the Municipal Police Station in Iriga for allegedly scanning a police blotter without first obtaining permission from the then Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Ralph Jason Oida.
Police Captain Neil Compañero, the CSPPO Provincial Legal Officer, discussed the salient provisions and defined important terms under the Data Privacy Act (DPA), Republic Act 10173.
Essentially, the DPA is designed to ‘protect the fundamental human right of privacy of communication while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation and growth.
Atty. Compañero emphasized that the DPA ensures that personal information in information and communication systems, both in the government and the private sector, is secured and protected.’
Key principles of data privacy that one should be aware of under this law include ensuring transparency, a legitimate purpose, and proportionality in the processing of personal data. Personal data should be collected for a specific and legitimate purpose, processed fairly and lawfully, and the authorized further processing should have adequate safeguards.
Police Lt. Col Nicel Compañero, Chief of the Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit, expressed hope that through this seminar, a harmonious relationship could be established between Chiefs of Police and the media, making them partners in raising public awareness and garnering public support for the activities, programs, and projects of the PNP aimed at achieving peace and security. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)