PNP eyes 2-blotter system amid criticisms over new policy

MANILA, Philippines - After getting flak over its new policy to limit media access to police blotters, the Philippine National Police is now toying with the idea of a two-blotter setup in its stations. PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said Friday the second blotter will contain information that the complainant wishes to keep confidential. "Pinag-iisipan natin kailangan sa blotter ang regular blotter at confidential blotter na di muna dapat ipakita (We are thinking of a two-blotter system with a regular blotter and a confidential blotter)," Bartolome said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said the "regular" blotter would contain details of cases that are considered "minor," including reports involving violence and crimes against women. But the confidential blotter will involve cases involving misunderstandings where only one side of the story has been recorded. Bartolome said that this time, the PNP plans to consult the proposal with media groups and other affected sectors. "Dito natin kokonsultahin ang dapat konsultahan (We will consult who needs to be consulted)," he said. However, Bartolome defended the new policy to limit media access to blotters, saying it was a "misunderstood" order and meant to promote decentralization of functions. The system is also meant to protect the identities of the victims and suspects in cases, he said. "Kailangan pagusapan sa head of office or ang kanyang representative or any pertinent authority (All that is needed is to talk to the head of office of a representative or pertinent authority)," he said. "Marami kaming natatanggap na request kung pwede huwag muna ilabas ang ganitong entry sa blotter (We have been receiving many requests from concerned people not to make the details of their cases in blotters immediately known to media)," he added. - GMANews.TV