PNP chief Gamboa says anyone is allowed to get video, photos in public

Anyone could take photos and videos in public spaces provided that the individual is not breaching national security protocols and violating one's private rights, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco underscored Monday.

At a press briefing, Gamboa said he has instructed the Joint Task Force COVID Shield to remind policemen about enforcement of maximum tolerance and the rule on taking photos and videos.

This came after an incident between Super Radyo dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad and some security forces along Marcos Highway when the latter confronted the former for taking videos of the vicinity and not seeking their permit prior to his live report.

"I directed the Joint Task Force COVID Shield last week first, let us remind our people when is maximum tolerance, maximum? We should deal with it in every situation, 'yan 'yung una..." Gamboa said.

"We should also remind our personnel kailan mo bawalan ang isang tao kumuha ng video? That should be clear. Kasi, ang sa tingin ko lang naman, kung hindi siya involved in national security, which is also very broad actually, and it doesn't violate private rights... then everybody is authorized to get video. So 'yan ang general rule," he added.

The PNP chief then pointed out that the rule applies to everybody, whether he or she is a member of the media or not.

"Let us not pertain to specific classes or members of society. So kapag hindi siya possible breach ng national security and then second, hindi siya violative of private rights, then anybody is allowed to get video, whether he is with the media or not because freedom of expression still exists in the Philippines," Gamboa said.

He also mentioned that the review on the implementation of maximum tolerance was also directed due to the arrest of some LGBT protesters in Mendiola, Manila last week.

Following these incidents, Gamboa also reminded cops to "keep their cool" while manning areas and enforcing security protocols amid the community quarantine.

"Paminsan talaga siyempre tao, mainit ang ulo, matagal na doon sa checkpoint, mainit etc... but it's not a reason for them not to observe the basic tenets," Gamboa said.

On Friday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called the attention of police officers, reminding them that there is no law prohibiting anyone from taking photos or videos in public places and of public events.

The NUJP has urged the police organization to look into the incidents.—AOL, GMA News