TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has elected a new set of officers for its press corps, with Marie Tonette Grace Marticio of Manila Bulletin chosen as president, signaling renewed commitment to collaboration between the police and the media.
The election was held at the conclusion of an orientation seminar on June 23 aimed at improving cooperation during anti-illegal drug operations. The seminar was organized by PRO-8’s Regional Public Information Office (RPIO).
PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad emphasized the media’s vital role in informing the public and ensuring transparency in police operations.
“The media plays a vital role in informing the public, shaping perceptions, and upholding transparency. I am hopeful we will continue to work hand in hand,” he said.
Also elected were Jimmy Angay-angay(DyVL) as vice president(Internal); Rommel Rutor(DyMS), vice president( external); Dahlia Orit(Radyo Pilipinas), secretary; Justine Grace Traya(RMN),treasurer; Lizbeth Ann Abella,(LSDE/PNA), auditor; and Dan Kerk Requiez,(PRTV12), PIO.
Also elected as area representatives were Ioannes Paulos Omang (DyVL), Leyte; Evelyn Nacional Baccol (An Aton Channel), Tacloban City; Jade Nombrado (Bandilyo Weekly), Southern Leyte; Robert Dejon (LSDE/ West Leyte Express/Hisgutanan Radio Online); Ma. Daisy Amor (Radyo Pilipinas), Eastern Samar; and Rene Castino (RJFM), Samar.
The discussed topics, meanwhile, included on the Data Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, discussed by Atty. Hexzy Jane Monteron-Arevalo of the Regional Legal Office, along with the updated Media Relations Policy presented by Major Analiza Armeza, OIC of RPIO-8.
PLt. Ervin Jhon Gabol from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit highlighted safety protocols during operations, while Atty. Ruben Mila Jr. discussed the legal duties and protections of media witnesses. Mental health awareness was also addressed by Dr. Gloria Enriquez-Fabrigas, assistant city health officer of Tacloban.
Public information officers from different police units and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 attended the event.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
