TWENTY-seven journalists from Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Dipolog, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental attended a two-day media safety training on September 6-7, in preparation for covering the upcoming Bangsamoro elections in October.
The training was held at the 4th Infantry ‘Diamond’ Division in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
It was organized by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club’s Journalism Institute, led by club president Froilan Gallardo, in cooperation with the 4ID’s Division Public Affairs Office, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
Participants were instructed on how to remain safe while covering dangerous areas by maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor, especially at checkpoints.
Major Joe Patrick Martinez, 4ID spokesman, pointed out the importance of not showing sudden movements or using hostile tones.
The training included lectures and practical exercises on managing scenarios such as ambushes, hostage-taking, and checkpoint blockades.
Journalists were familiarized with the sound of gunfire from various weapons.
In an armed demonstration, Martinez warned participants that hiding under a coconut tree, a metal door, or behind a tire is not safe from bullets fired from an AK-47 or an M60 machine gun. He advised them to escape if possible.
In a simulated kidnapping, participants were restrained, forced out of a vehicle at gunpoint, and blindfolded.
In a scenario involving an ambush, two vehicles carrying the media members were “fired upon” by unidentified armed groups, simulating injuries.
Military nurses also provided first aid training, including how to perform CPR for victims of accidents. In another scenario, an unidentified group set up a checkpoint and stopped two vehicles.
After making the journalists exit and raise their hands, they were searched and released, but their personal belongings, including cash and cellphones, were taken.
