PNP News Releases 2006

PNP OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION WITH SECTORAL GROUPS TO SOLVE SLAY CASES

PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon today reiterated the appeal to leaders and members of cause-oriented groups and partylist organizations for their cooperation in the investigation of cases of their murdered colleagues.

At the same time, Calderon expressed satisfaction at the participation of representatives from different organizations as well as the substance of the discussions in a multi-sectoral dialogue initiated by the PNP.

The dialogue aims to enlist the active cooperation and support of all concerned sectors to complement all ongoing police action on cases of slain journalists and some members of partylist organizations.

"There had been a lot of information and speculation passed around by partylist groups about persons whom they suspect are behind some of the murders. It would be in the best interest of justice for them to come forward and provide us with information that they have about these cases," Calderon said.

The dialogue was participated by some representatives from cause-oriented groups, media organizations, anti-crime watchdogs, business sector and judiciary.

Several suggestions and concerns were raised during the forum including the creation of a multi-sectoral Technical Working Group and more advocacy work.

Some sectoral groups also asked the PNP not to brand them as militants.

"This forum is a clear testament of the PNP's resolve to tackle this issue and government's sincerity to apprehend those who are behind these murders," Calderon told participants in the dialogue held at the Quezon City Sports Club.

The PNP had hoped for the participation of representatives from other partylist organizations and cause-oriented groups that had been more vocal about their murdered colleagues, but, were not present in the dialogue.

"It is unfortunate that we were not able to hear what they had to say," according to PNP Spokesman, Senior Superintendent Samuel D Pagdilao Jr.

"But their non-participation in today's event does not diminish the spirit and meaning of this dialogue. Nonetheless, we are not losing hope and will continue to keep our channels of communication open with these groups," Pagdilao added.

Calderon emphasized before the body that "government has no policy that endeavors to assail the freedom of the press just as there is no existing campaign to rob militant personalities of their right to life."

"There is no official or unofficial government policy to strike at militant and media personalities. Whoever is involved in these acts must pay the price and bear the brunt of justice," the PNP Chief said.

He described the multi-sectoral dialogue as an eye opener that has succeeded in establishing channels of communication for better coordination in monitoring the progress of investigations.

Calderon cited the support and cooperation that the PNP has been getting from national media organizations and some witnesses that has led to the early solution of a significant number of cases of slain journalists.

"And we believe that the same cooperation and support is the key ingredient in the formula to make significant headway in the investigation of all these murder cases confronting us," Calderon added.

Pagdilao said the dialogue "is not a one-day event or a one-shot deal. Rather it is part of a continuing dialogue similar to what we are doing with the media sector, especially if there are new emerging issues and concerns."