Media asked not to make intrigues

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario cautioned members of media not to create intrigues that tend to incite violence.
The governor aired his appeal to the press people after coming to the conclusion that the elections next year will be “one of the most difficult and complicated elections” ever held in the country.
He based his assumption on the worsening election-related violence as the nation prepares for the May 10 polls.
Gov. Del Rosario particularly cited the Maguindanao massacre, which claimed the lives of at least 57 people, including about 30 journalists.  
“I hope that what happened in Maguindanao will never happen in the Province of Davao del Norte when election comes next year,” he said.
That can only be possible, he said, if candidates shall remain calm and refrain from hitting below the belt.
However, Del Rosario said the members of the ‘fourth estate’ could boost their role in ensuring a clean and honest elections if they refrain from sowing intrigues that tend to fuel political feud and animosity.
“For as long as media will not create the intrigues that will ignite violence between candidates, then hopefully our election here will continue to be one of the most peaceful and the most honest elections that we always aspire for,” the governor told the members of the National Press Club- Davao del Norte-ComVal Chapter during their Christmas gathering.
Del Rosario, who is a staunch believer in the importance of media and freedom of information in nation-building, was conferred the Headliner of the Year and the Darling of the Press awards by the same media club.
His chief executive assistant, son Anthony, who is running for congressman of the 1st district of Davao del Norte, was also cited as the Newsmaker of the Year.  (Nobags)