PNP-Ilocos clarifies issue on access to crime spot reports

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union -- Chief Supt. Charlo C. Collado, Ilocos regional police director is working to reestablish harmonious relationship between the police and members of the media following the brouhaha over access to spot reports.

“It is the responsibility of the head of office and his public information officer to discuss the details in the spot report and act as the conduit to the media,” Collado said.

Collado said in his directive that members of the media will soon be given a media relations manual where they can get information they need.

A spot report, he said is a classified document compared to the police blotter which is open to the public.

“Police personnel must be careful in posting pictures of classified documents on social media in order to share them with reporters,” Collado said in his directive.

He clarified that based on guidelines from his superiors, “the media will not get a hard copy [of the spot report] but they will get the information they need.”

“A court order would be required for the release of documents pertaining to rape cases, as well as incidents involving minors.”