DND, AFP chiefs laud media’s role in military affairs

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave the media a snappy salute Thursday night as both lauded the significant role of reporters in military affairs.

In their messages to former and current members of the Defense Press Corps (DPC) in Camp Aguinaldo on the occasion of the organization’s 50th founding anniversary, they said media played a key role in bridging the gap between the AFP and the people.

Lorenzana called on reporters to continue reporting the truth and fight fake news and misinformation that mislead the public.

“Media and government are indeed two of the largest institutions in any country, and they both share a common purpose – to serve the people. If we work together, we can empower people to make a difference and change our nation for the better,” he said.

Lorenzana said one of the looming problems that need utmost action is the spread of fake news, which has become a challenge not just for the media, but for the government as well. 

 “Fake news, or information disorder, create chaos and can be far worse than any terminal illness if left untreated,” Lorenzana said.