The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has appealed to all media practitioners to be more perceptive in covering conflict to avoid being used by violent extremists for their propaganda.
AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. bared this appeal during the Mindanao Media Safety and Security Summit organized by the Mindanao Independent Press Council, Inc (MIPC) on Friday afternoon at Eden Nature Park in Toril.
“Terrorist organizations including the New People’s Army and Daesh-inspired groups have platforms and mouthpieces that exploit national and regional issues to advance their violent ideologies,” he said. “It is the media’s duty and responsibility to challenge enemy narratives that seek to glorify violence and discredit legitimate peace and development efforts of the government,” Galvez added.
Galvez said the AFP commits itself in forging partnerships anchored in effective coverage and media safety and security “Not only in conflict situations but more importantly in environments where threats—physical and political—are abound,” he said. “We value media coverage but there are greater considerations that come to play, especially in cases where high levels of confidentiality are warranted, thus limiting the access and coverage of the media,” Galvez added. He said the AFP is will to extend their assistance to media practitioners who will have research and gather materials, especially in critical areas here in Mindanao but could pose threat to their lives. Galvez aslo gave his assurance thay media organizations and it personnel that the AFP will uphold press freedom in Mindanao while martial law is being implemented. “We have strictly ensured that our soldiers implementing martial law adhere to the rule of law. We are very pleased to note that many of our stakeholders have observed that our soldiers are very professional and respectful of the local leaders and incumbent officials,” he said.
