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Photojournalist explains the limited media coverage in Cagayan

Ron MiaBy No Comments5 Mins Read

Photojournalist Ezra Acayan took to Twitter to explain why there is limited media coverage of the situation in Cagayan.

In a series of tweets, Acayan said media from Metro Manila or outside of Cagayan have restricted access because of the local government’s rule that all incoming visitors will have to undergo 14-day quarantine including media and even aid workers.

“For everyone tweeting #CagayanNeedsHelp and asking media to go cover I’m really sorry to be the bearer of bad news but your local govt has mandated all visitors to undergo 14 day quarantine, media and aid workers are not exempted (even if we provide a negative swab test result)”

“Confirmed this information 2 weeks ago from Tuguegarao’s vice mayor when me and my colleagues were planning all posibilities for Typhoon Goni. Please go ask your local gov’t officials to waive this requirement so outside media can go cover.”

“Correction: it was a local govt official responsible for the quarantine in the region that mandated this, not the vice mayor. Thanks to my colleague for correcting me.”

He then highlighted the importance of media available on the ground to have timely verified reports so that rescuers can quickly decide where to focus their efforts and limited resources.

“I understand media can cover without being physically there. But in a big disaster like this it’s crucial to have as many journos on the ground providing VERIFIED and TIMELY info so rescuers can cut through all the noise and quickly decide where to focus their limited resources.”

UPDATE: “Cagayan and Isabela has waived quarantine for media.”

Former PTV4 News Anchor Jules Guiang meanwhile also echoed Acayan’s statements saying there was no massive info drive on the ground that’s why Cagayan was caught off guard by the Typhoon.

“Hey Sec. @martinandanar, you were saying that gov’t has the widest reach of comms in the Philippines. Look at Cagayan now. Communication is key right? Info from the ground wasn’t hyped until what, days after #UlyssesPH? Gulatan tayo lahat, na naman.”

However, even though media from Manila have limited access to Cagayan, ABS-CBN news was able to get hold of video footage of the disheartening situation in Cagayan.

ABS-CBN News through its North Luzon correspondent Harris Julio hooked up with Louie Antonio Films to report the devastating situation in the province.

https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1327271149059784704

Without proper reports from media and limited access to on-ground information in Cagayan, Vice President Leni Robredo’s Twitter account was flooded by Cagayanons begging for help and rescue.

In her several tweets, Robredo said the Office of the Vice President has already deployed their security team to coordinate with the AFP and the PNP for the rescue efforts.

“Our prayers for Cagayan and Isabela. Reading posts now of people asking to be rescued. We deployed our security team to coordinate with AFP all the calls for rescue we are reading now. Will be monitoring and will post updates.”

“While waiting for augmentation to reach Tuguegarao, our team was able to get in touch with PNP Tuguegarao. We forwarded all the compiled requests and calls for help. Limited assets now but MEDEVAC will be prioritized.”

“Rest assured we are taking note of all calls for help and forwarding them to rescue teams on the ground. Posting here PNP Hotlines in Region 2. Huge volume of requests for rescue but all will be assigned to rescue teams. “

Meanwhile, several netizens have brought up again the issue of the rejected franchise of ABS-CBN which could have been a big help in disseminating info from the grounds of Cagayan through their Regional Network Group.

As what Acayan said, media from the outside of Cagayan are restricted to go in because of the local government’s protocol of requiring 14 days quarantine period for all visitors of the province.

Netizen @ImJB787 said this damning situation in Cagayan happened because of the lack of media coverage particularly the rejection of the ABS-CBN franchise which formerly has local news coverage in the area throught he regional network group.

“We also have to remember kaya nangyari to is bacause of lack of media coverage, The lawmakers of Cagayan and Isabela chose to revoke the franchise renewal of ABS CBN! Remember them Cagayanos and Isabelinos!”

https://twitter.com/ImJB787/status/1327301489937661952

@kulotissima and @krizzy_kalerqui also echoed the statement slamming those congressmen who voted to reject the ABS-CBN franchise.

“Yung notifs ko naka-on na lang kay VP @lenirobredo na pinasan na role ng pagcoordinate at pagbabalita kung ano na nagyayari at anong ongoing rescue efforts sa Cagayan. Salamat talaga sa 70 kongresista na nagpasara ng ABS-CBN. Ang laking perwisyo niyong mga buwaya kayo.”

“ABS-CBN Cagayan Valley is the region’s biggest local news source. Imagine if they didn’t shut it down. Edi sana ang lawak ng media coverage. This is on you 70 heartless congressmen. #CagayanNeedsHelp #IsabelaNeedsHelp” @krizzy_kalerqui.

https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/1327287874207707138

Nick Villavecer and MJ Felipe also highlighted the importance of the regional network group of ABS-CBN, especially in these crucial times.

“I don’t want this to be about ABS-CBN again, but now I hope our congressmen realize how crucial the Regional Network Group is especially during calamities!” said Villavecer.

“Ngayon nakikita ang HALAGA ng ABS-CBN Regional Network Group. Importante ang papel nila sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan. If members of Congress can read this, it’s not too late. Maraming pagsubok na darating sa ating bansa kaya ibalik na ang ABS-CBN to serve the Filipino people!” tweeted MJ Felipe.

PBB Alumni Lou Yanong also tweeted about the people in Cagayan not properly informed about the typhoon.

“If only they were informed.”

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A frustrated journalist who finds the realization of that dream through blogging. Writes about politics, entertainment, sports and personal stuffs. The writer behind the blog site NiteWriter.

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