Police to newsmen: Report poll-related threats

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- 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.

MEDIA SAFETY. Media practitioners in Albay interview Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, director of the Police Regional Office in Bicol, during the closing ceremony of the Water Search and Rescue training for police officers at Sawangan Park, Legazpi City on Friday (April 11, 2025). Dizon encouraged journalists to report security threats, intimidation or harassment that they might face while covering the May 12 national and local elections. (Photo from Brig. Gen. Dizon Facebook)

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol (DPWH-5) is set to establish 24 motorist assistance centers (MACs) under the “Lakbay Alalay” (travel assistance) program for the Holy Week observance.

In an interview on Friday, DPWH-5’s Lucy Castañeda said the centers will provide roadside assistance and safety services to travelers during the peak travel period.

“For the Bicol Region, some 170 personnel from our district engineering offices will man the MAC,” she said.

From April 16, 8 a.m., to April 19, 5 p.m., MACs will be strategically placed along Bicol's major roads and manned by composite teams in standard uniforms and personal protective equipment, automotive mechanics, equipment operators, engineers, and maintenance crews trained to provide immediate assistance for vehicle malfunctions and emergencies on a round-the-clock shift.

She said the centers will be easily recognized through its standardized navy-blue tents and tarpaulins for public visibility and accessibility.

“DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte ordered the district engineers for the preparation of the influx of homebound travelers to ensure that national roads remain safe, accessible, and well-maintained to facilitate the smooth and efficient movement of motorists and pilgrims,” Castañeda said.

In Albay, the MACs will be placed in Barangay Roco, Santo Domingo; Barangay Busay, Daraga; and Barangay Pugao, Ligao City.

In Camarines Norte, MACs will be found in Barangay Busta, Labo and Barangay II, Daet. For Camarines Sur, they will be found in Barangay Gaongan, Sipocot; Barangay Tambo, Pamplona; Barangay Del Rosario, Naga City; and Barangay San Teresita, Baao.

Barangay Sipi, Bato; Barangay Dinahao Rastro, San Andres; and Barangay Santo Domingo, Virac in Catanduanes will also have MACs.

For Sorsogon, MACs will be stationed in Barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon and Barangay Gulang-Gulang, Irosin. And, in Masbate, MACs will be in the municipalities of San Pascual, Claveria, Pio Corpuz, San Fernando, Placer, Dimasalang, and Milagros.

The DPWH Bicol will also be on standby with a skeletal force from the maintenance division, which is tasked to receive and respond to reports from field personnel.

Eduarte said roving units will patrol major highways to monitor road conditions and assist motorists.

"I urge our teams to be proactive in addressing road concerns and implementing necessary measures to enhance public safety during this period of heightened travel activity. Especially with ongoing projects along national roads, please coordinate with the concerned contractors for appropriate road works scheduling," Eduarte said in a statement.

The program will be implemented in coordination with the Bicol regional offices of the Philippine National Police and the Land Transportation Office, as well as other concerned local government units. (with a report from Kryselle Jesa Perez, OJT/PNA)