Army steps up ties with media practitioners

HINABANGAN, Samar, June 8 (PNA) -– The Philippine Army is stepping up its partnership with media practitioners, citing the latter’s role to reach out audience in rural communities.

Col. Raylindo S. Aniñon, deputy brigade commander of 801st Infantry Brigade under the 8th Infantry Division, said that in previous years, the military has not coordinated with media practitioners due to “operational security issues” where they perceived some journalists as allies of rebels.

“But that was before. Now we understand the importance and value of media to the society,” Aniñon said during a gathering of media practitioners at a military camp in Hinabangan, Samar over the weekend.

More than 50 members of the army press corps in Northern Samar, Samar and Leyte attended the boot camp, which include basic marksmanship and military obstacle course orientation and demonstration.

“The military realized that the battle does not only take place in the battlefield because it can also be win or loss in public opinion,” Aniñon said.

The military official said that media brings the soldier closer to the people, they act as bridge to inform their stakeholders on the function of military in peacekeeping efforts, and media are instruments for successful implementation of programs.

“As a stakeholder of the military, you also provide for community with information to see that the military is capable and dedicated to our mandated mission,” Aniñon added.

The army official has called for media practitioners and the military units in Eastern Visayas to strengthen their partnership and ensure the creation of environment that is sustainable for peace. (PNA)

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