Quezon police clarifies media accreditation amid NUJP concerns

By Nimfa L. Estrellado QPPO's media accreditation process draws scrutiny from NUJP Quezon chapter. (QPPO) LUCENA CITY, Quezon—The Qu...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

QPPO's media accreditation process draws scrutiny from NUJP Quezon chapter. (QPPO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon—The Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) has issued a statement to clarify its media accreditation process, which has recently come under scrutiny. According to the QPPO's Public Information Office (PIO), the initiative is intended to protect the credibility of legitimate journalists and ensure the integrity of police interactions with the press.

In its statement, the QPPO cited an “alarming increase in individuals posing as members of the media for purposes unrelated to responsible journalism.” The office emphasized that the procedure is not meant to harm, intimidate, or infringe upon press freedom and personal privacy.



Instead, it is a protective measure aimed at verifying the legitimacy of media representatives and fostering trust, professionalism, and accountability between the police and the media community. Acknowledging that some of its actions may have been perceived negatively, the QPPO-PIO issued a sincere apology and expressed its openness to dialogue to create a clearer and better process.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Quezon chapter has also weighed in on the issue. The organization raised an “urgent concern” about reports of “personal data collection, interrogation-style interviews, and background checks” allegedly being conducted by the QPPO and the Lucena City Police Station (LCPS).

The NUJP Quezon chapter informed media practitioners that these actions are not part of the standard accreditation process. The organization said such practices go beyond what is necessary and could pose risks to press freedom and personal privacy.

The NUJP urged local media to exercise vigilance, document any irregularities, and seek clarification from appropriate authorities. They emphasized that accreditation should be a “transparent and respectful process,” not one that compromises journalistic integrity or individual rights.