Media workers learn crisis reporting

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade, conducted a two-day Media Safety and Security Workshop on 5 and 6 November at the brigade headquarters in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The workshop brought together around 50 media practitioners from Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City, equipping them with vital knowledge and skills for safe reporting in high-risk areas across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

A key feature of the program was a live, realistic scenario exercise simulating a kidnapping incident, during which participants practiced proper emergency response, risk assessment and safe reporting protocols.

Facilitators guided journalists through the correct procedures in the event of an abduction threat, including immediate coordination with security forces, verification of information before publication, observance of media blackout protocols when advised, and protection of both themselves and victims while covering sensitive situations.

Brig. Gen. Samuel G. Yunque, commander of the 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade, underscored the importance of the training in his opening remarks.