Media, police unite vs. fake news, push stronger public safety drive in Calabarzon

SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna — Media practitioners and law enforcement agencies must strengthen their partnership to combat disinformation, build public trust, and improve community safety across Calabarzon, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Calabarzon Regional Director Atty. Owen G. De Luna said on October 27.

Speaking at the Media-PNP-NAPOLCOM Forum at Seda Nuvali, De Luna stressed that maintaining peace and order requires more than police operations, underscoring the media’s role in delivering accurate information and encouraging public participation in crime prevention.

The forum carried the theme, “One Mission, One Voice: Strengthening Media and Law Enforcement Partnership for Public Safety.”

De Luna said public safety is a shared responsibility that demands cooperation among law enforcement agencies, media organizations, and the communities they serve.

“Maintaining peace and order and preventing crimes are not the sole responsibilities of law enforcement agencies,” he said, emphasizing the need for active community involvement.

Through television, radio, print, and digital platforms, he said, media practitioners can help bridge the gap between authorities and the public by raising awareness, promoting vigilance, and sharing information on crime-prevention efforts.

However, De Luna warned that the rapid spread of fake news and disinformation poses a serious challenge to public safety and institutional credibility.

With social media and artificial intelligence accelerating the circulation of content, he urged journalists to verify information before publication rather than prioritize speed over accuracy.

He cautioned that misleading reports can trigger confusion, harm innocent individuals, and undermine public confidence in law enforcement.

De Luna also emphasized that responsible journalism must uphold transparency and accountability while respecting human rights, confidentiality, and due process.

Describing the media as a “mirror” of the police, he said news coverage allows the public to assess police performance, recognize accomplishments, and understand the outcomes of law enforcement operations.

He cited incidents in Santa Rosa City and Santo Tomas City where timely reporting and coordination between police personnel and witnesses helped authorities resolve cases.

De Luna called for sustained communication and closer coordination between journalists and law enforcement officers, saying both sectors have a vital role in protecting communities.

“Our one mission now is one course: to help the community through community public safety,” he said.

The forum sought to reinforce the shared commitment of media practitioners and law enforcement agencies to responsible information dissemination, public accountability, and safer communities throughout Calabarzon.

STRENGTHENING MEDIA-POLICE TIES. Laguna Capitol Press Corps (LCPC) President Noel S. Alamar (fourth from right) leads members of the organization in a group photo with NAPOLCOM Commissioner Alvin S. Mojica (fourth from left), NAPOLCOM Calabarzon Regional Director Atty. Owen G. De Luna (third from left), and Police Lt. Col. Milany E. Martirez, chief of the Police Regional Office 4A Regional Public Information Office (second from left). Also present are the presidents of the Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps and PRO 4A Press Corps during the Media-PNP-NAPOLCOM Forum held on October 27, 2026, at Seda Nuvali in Santa Rosa City.