DAVAO CITY — Newly installed Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability during a meet and greet event with the PNP Press Corps on May 2, 2023, held at Maringal Hall, Forensic Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Acorda invited members of the PNP press corps for a fellowship dinner in time for the 30th World Press Freedom Day which was attended by the PNP Command Group, Directors of Directorial Staff, and the PNP Press Corps Officers and Board of Directors.
In a press statement, Acorda acknowledged the role of the media as their long-time partners, an independent source of check and balance, a watchdog of truth and justice, and a bridge to the public. He emphasized the importance of working together towards the shared goal of serving the people.
“I believe that we should work together. We will be transparent and we will work closely with you to ensure that accurate and timely information is provided to the public within the purview and limits of confidentiality and national security,” he added.
He acknowledged that the media also faces challenges and commended them for their dedication and hard work in reporting the news. He extended his hand of friendship and cooperation to the media and emphasized the need for their help in educating the public about PNP policies and programs.
“We need your help to educate the public about our policies and programs. We want to share with you our achievements and challenges, our successes and failures, our hopes and aspirations. We need your voice to advocate for the good things the police force is doing. We need your support to inform them of our endeavors for peace and order,” Acorda added.
The PNP Press Corps is composed of distinguished members of the media from various news outlets in the Philippines, with Mar Gabriel of NET25 serving as the President, Lea Ylagan of UNTV as Vice President, Bea Bernardo of PTV4 as Secretary, Third Anne Malonzo of Sunstar as Treasurer, Leo Sarne of Radyo Pilipinas as Auditor, and Raffy Santos of ABS-CBN as PRO. The Board of Directors include Manny Tupaz of Philippine Star, Jaymark Degala of Radyo Pilipinas, Mark Obleada of Police Files, Lloyd Caliwan of PNA, Edwin Balasa of Abante, and Jimmy Encarnacion of ABS-CBN.
Members include Bernard Ferrer of Sonshine Radio, Val Gonzales of DZRH, Mariz Umali of GMA7, Jorge Carino of ABS-CBN, Aaron Recuenco of Manila Bulletin, Eunice Celario of Pilipino Mirror, Pol Montibon of SMNI, Crissy Dimatulac of CNN, Bryan Castillo of TV5, Patrick De Jesus of PTV4, Marlene Padiernos of Bombo Radyo, Angel Ronquillo of RMN, Tina Nolasco of DWIZ, Nick Echevaria of DWDD, Edwin Moreno of DZRJ, Glenn Juego of DZBB, and Faith Argonsino of Inquirer.
The event ended on a high note with General Acorda toasting to mutual respect and understanding between the PNP and the media. It was a gesture of goodwill and camaraderie, with both parties looking forward to a brighter future for the PNP and the medi
