DFA urges accurate Bondi reporting
The DFA stressed that the Philippine government has made significant strides in improving domestic security to promote and sustain peace and order and socio-economic development nationwide.
Daily TribuneThe DFA stressed that the Philippine government has made significant strides in improving domestic security to promote and sustain peace and order and socio-economic development nationwide.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday called on the media to maintain fairness and accuracy in reporting on the shooters involved in the killing spree that occurred on Bondi Beach in Sydney, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people on 14 December.
The DFA issued the statement following earlier reports that Australian authorities confirmed that the suspects in the mass killing, identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, had visited the Philippines, particularly Davao City, in November.
“The DFA has taken note of recent local and foreign media reports referring to the Philippines’ connection to the Bondi Beach incident in Sydney,” the DFA said.
“The Department underscores the importance of allowing competent authorities to complete their investigations and of exercising care against misleading characterizations, especially of the security situation in the Philippines, while facts are still being established,” it added.
The DFA maintained that the Philippine government is in close coordination with Australian authorities through existing bilateral mechanisms to verify information related to the matter, in line with established security and law enforcement cooperation.
“The department calls on media organizations to ensure accuracy, balance, and context in their reporting, and to avoid sweeping generalizations and amplifying speculation that may spread misinformation or inflame prejudice,” it said.
The DFA stressed that the Philippine government has made significant strides in improving domestic security to promote and sustain peace and order and socio-economic development nationwide.
“The Philippines remains committed to contributing to regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism, including through sustained information sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and border security cooperation with Australia and other partner countries,” the DFA said.
