DSWD6: No absolute prohibition of interviews inside evacuation centers

The DSWD Field Office VI has clarified that the agency does not impose absolute prohibition of media interviews inside evacuation centers.

“We have high regard to the media and we uphold their constitutional right to freedom of speech and of the press,” said Atty. Carmelo N. Nochete, regional director.

According to Director Nochete, the media practitioners who wish to interview evacuees who are also known as IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) should first coordinate with the Local Government Units Camp Managers. The LGUs are the ones managing the evacuation sites.

Secondly, they need to be aware that they can only interview adults who give consent to being interviewed and not children.

Thirdly, they cannot take photos of children IDPs inside evacuation centers.

As can be recalled, the agency has been providing technical assistance to Local Government Units (LGUs) along Camp Management and Evacuation recently.

One of the key points emphasized is that the right to privacy and confidentiality of children evacuees need to be protected at all times.

Another important matter is that under RA 10821, also known “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act,” the DSWD and various agencies are tasked to monitor and ensure the safety and the security of the affected children in the areas declared under a state of calamity and shall protect them against all forms of abuse and exploitation. and ensure the safety and the security of the affected children in the areas declared under a state of calamity.

Director Nochete also stressed that the right to protection of children as a policy of the State should be upheld at all times as provided in RA 7610 otherwise known as Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

Also, the Joint Memorandum Circular 02, Series of 2021, Guidelines on Camp Coordination and Camp Management and internally Displaced Persons Protection provides that in cases of GBV (Gender-Based Violence) protection concerns, camp managers are to ensure safety of victim-survivor and immediate access to services.”

It has been established that children are more vulnerable in times of disasters and need to be even more protected when already displaced and have to stay in evacuation centers.

“We also call on the media to ensure that the purpose of interviews should be to help our IDPs in a way that their worth and dignity are protected,” the Director said.

“On top of these, there is a need to observe health protocol and to ensure order inside the evacuation centers.”/dswd6