ABOUT 23 local journalists from various outlets in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, predominantly from Iligan City, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, and Agusan del Sur, participated in a two-day Media Safety Training from October 13 to 15 at Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon province.

The training was sponsored by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), the Hanns Seidel Foundation, and the Army's 4th Infantry Division.

Major Francisco Garello, Jr. of the 4th Infantry Division explained that the purpose of the training is to ensure the safety of all media members covering news, particularly in light of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for October 30.

The training covered essential preparation and safety measures for journalists when covering and gathering news stories, as emphasized by one of the speakers, Joseph Ben 'JB' Deveza.

MEDIA SAFETY TRAINING. Journalists learn bandaging techniques on their fellow reporters during the media safety training in Camp Bahian, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon on Saturday. Photo by Froilan Gallardo

Various scenarios, including road traffic and vehicle safety, as well as kidnapping situations, were conducted under the direction of COPC Director Froilan Gallardo.

During one scenario, which resembled a real-life situation, two soldiers posed as informers and suddenly interrupted the lecture, claiming that there was an accident outside the classroom. Participants rushed outside to find two victims lying on the ground after a motorcycle crash.

In another scenario, designed to mimic a kidnapping, three soldiers played the role of kidnappers/terrorists. They fired blank rounds from their long arms into the air while entering the classroom and then seized three unsuspecting victims outside. These dramatic scenarios left all participants shocked and panicked.

TRIAGE. Cagayan de Oro participants apply basic first aid techniques for the injured during the first day of the two-day Media Safety Training on October 14 and 15 held at Camp Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Photo by Edwin Iyo

The purpose of these scenarios was to teach the media how to prepare for situations involving gunfire, according to Gallardo.

Basic first aid techniques were also demonstrated by 4th ID personnel, and participants were reminded of how to detect when their lives may be in danger.

They also learned how to conduct surveillance on suspects, particularly those riding in tandem.

On the second day, various types of explosives were presented by a speaker from the Army Bomb Squad, reminding the media to always be prepared. Additionally, different firearms, including the new AFP weapon R4, and equipment such as the Mount Mortar, were demonstrated at the firing range.