Objective

Identify significant Public Affairs Directives

 Release of Information for Publication dtd 03 Nov 58: This

circular will serve as a guide in the release if information pertaining

to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The implementation of the
intentions and purposes of GHQ Bulletin Br 3 dated 25 January
1955 shall be governed by this Circular and by pertinent provisions
of AFPR G 200-011 dated 21 January 1954.
Guidelines on Dealing w Media During Their Visit to the Field
dtd 12 Nov 85: The directive therefore prescribes specific
guidelines in dealing with media personnel in compliance with the
presidential instruction that aims to give the public and media
deeper appreciation of the COIN drive; broaden popular
understanding of the AFPs campaign for national security and
stability; increase the exposure of military units to press; and make
available for public perusal the official records, journals and/or
reports of military units, especially pertaining to COIN efforts.

Release of AFP Information dtd 29 Jun 88:

The directive prescribes guidelines which shall be

implemented and adhered to, immediately to
install security consciousness and to prevent
future incidents on AFP commanders/officers
being attributed as source of classified
information by the media and public.

 Visit of Foreign Nat'ls to Mil Installations & Areas of

Opn dtd 02 Mar 98: This SOP prescribes the policies,

guidelines and procedures governing visits of foreign
nationals to AFP offices, units. Installations and areas of
operatin to ensure that the AFP and national interest and
security are protected.
Release of Information for Publication dtd 22 Apr 99:
This circular prescribes the policies, guidelines and
procedures in the release of information pertaining to the
AFP. The implementation of the intentions and purposes of
this Circular shall be governed by pertinent provisions of
AFPR G 141-012 dated 06 May 1994.

 Guidelines on Media Relations dtd 15 Oct 02: The directive

seeks that the AFPs efforts in dealing with the media shall be
done with the aim of projecting the soldiers optimism,
enthusiasm and hope at all times.
Policy Guidelines on the Issuance of Press Statements
dtd 20 Nov 02: The directive seeks to synchronize the DND-AFP
public information efforts and attain a coordinated approach in
issuing to media official statements, pronouncements, responses
and rejoinders on concerns affecting the defense-military
organization, the following shall be strictly observed.
Guidelines on Releasing Information to the Media dtd July
05: The directive seeks the enhancement of the AFPs Public
Information efforts especially regarding AFP Commanders
appearing in the media. The SND specifically noted the AFPs
media silence at the Battalion Levels as an opportunity missed
in conveying positive AFP accomplishments in the fields to
contribute to the effort of improving the AFP image in the public
perception.

 AFP Press Release dtd 02 Oct 2005: All Commanders

down to the Battalion Command Level are directed to

include all the following information in all respective unit
press releases ad official media pronouncements:
The AFPs inherent mandate to conduct military operations in

order to safeguard national security and protect the people

from the violent and non-violent activities being conducted by
the CPP/NPA/NDF and its front organizations.
The AFPs strict adherence to establish Rules of Engagement

(ROE) and the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).

The AFPs deep commitment and respect to Human Rights and

International Humanitarian Law.

 Criteria of Public Information dtd 11 Apr 2007: All PIOs and

Commanders down to the Battalion level are reminded to strictly adhere to

the following criteria when conducting Public Information (SAPP-Rule):

Security applies to the condition that prevents unauthorized person from having

access to official information that is safeguarded in the interest of national

security.

Accuracy refers to the correctness of all data, names, figures, quotations,

statements, and the absence of distortion and exaggeration. Therefore, conflicting

statements and unverified information should not be released to the media.

Propriety pertains to the proper authority tasked to disclose information to the

media. The Public Information Officer, for example, may basic facts of the events
or policy. He or she is not allowed to provide further details for this is the
responsibility of a higher authority. However, with permission from higher
authority, spokespersons or information officers may be allowed to elaborate on
certain issues.

Policy refers to a broad course of action or guidance adopted by the

government in pursuit of certain objectives. This can be in the form of directives,

memoranda and or regulations.

 Guidelines on Media Lines dtd 25 May 2007: This directive

sets forth the guidelines on how o formulate a response during

media interviews.
The basic rule is that a media line should contain the right

information and a command message.

However, if the
information needed is not yet available, the response can be done
by simply giving out directly your command messages. It must be
noted that every media interview is an opportunity to send out a
message. When you give a response without a command message,
you lose the opportunity of informing the public about the
commands perspective or position on a given situation, problem or
issue.

Release of Classified Information to Media dtd July 2007:

The directive prescribes guidelines and procedures in releasing

classified information o the media.

 Guidelines on Terrorism dtd June 2007:

Any information on terrorism with strategic implications that will

adversely affect the economy, specifically the tourism industry,

shall be released only by the National Security Adviser (NSA)

Reminders and Additional Guidelines on the primacy

of the GPH-MILF Peace Process dtd Mar 2007:

Any info on the Governments effort on the Peace Process shall

be addressed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace

Process (OPAPP) (unless otherwise specified by the President of
the Philippines.)

 PAG on IPSP Bayanihan:

provides public affairs guidance (PPAG) for the AFPs IPSP

Bayanihan

End