CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur—The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division reinforced its partnership with the press during the Media Fellowship 2026 on June 18 at the Officers’ Clubhouse here.
The event brought together military officials and the Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) to discuss responsible reporting, peacebuilding and public information access.
Eighty-seven media practitioners from Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental and Lanao provinces attended the gathering. The Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), led by Maj. Noelio S. Brigole Jr., facilitated the session, which Lt. Col. Jimmy S. Sanz, assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations, presided over.
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In an open forum, participants reviewed the military’s information access programs, including "Tabak Updates." While attendees acknowledged improvements in response times during field operations, they also identified challenges regarding the verification of sensitive tactical data and delays caused by inconsistent informal releases.
To resolve these issues, the DPAO and TDPC agreed to develop a streamlined protocol for press releases that balances information speed and accuracy with operational security.
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the journalists for their role in countering misinformation. "Your dedication remains vital to our peace and stability efforts in Western Mindanao," he said.
The fellowship concluded with an awarding ceremony, reaffirming the division’s commitment to transparent information sharing.
