Although news programs are exempted for review by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the agency’s chair, Consoliza Laguardia, believes TV news programs should’ve applied more caution in broadcasting the Manila hostage drama last Aug. 23.

"‘Yung umaga up to five PM is still safe [kasi mga] news updates lang… sinasabi kung ano ‘yung nangyayari. What is questionable ng konti is ‘yung assault na [which was aired on primetime]… ‘Yung in detail na sinasabi at may kasamang violence. Sana nag-practice ng self-regulation ‘yung news programs. Nakalimutan siguro ng media,” Chairman Laguardia told Bulletin Entertainment in an exclusive phone interview.

Primetime news programs such as ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” and GMA-7’s “24 Oras” aired updates of the incident involving dismissed Senior Inspector and hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza and 17 Hong Kong nationals.

The footages included the arrest of his brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, as well as the assault between the police and Inspector Mendoza, and up to the retrieval of the hostages, eight of whom died.

If it were a movie, Laguardia said, it would’ve been given an R-18 rating because of the high level of violence.

The chair wished the incident was not aired live, as she, just like many, deems the footages triggered Capt. Mendoza's ire even more that might have provoked him to shoot some of the hostages.

“Sana delayed telecast ‘yon. ‘Yon talaga ang nag-trigger eh. At tiyaka ‘yung hinahawakan ‘yung kapatid nung Mendoza [ng mga pulis], sana hindi na ganon.

“Dapat kasi i-calm down mo siya (Mendoza). Ngayon kung pinakita ng media ‘yung kamag-anak niya na nilalagay na sa sasakyan, siyempre mara-rattle ‘yon diba. It’s really quite a predicament talaga,” she said, adding that the delayed telecast featuring still shots of the violent encounter was the better option.

The media defended themselves---as seen on tweets of some journalists---that their only goal is to inform the public of the latest developments. “Kaya lang TV ‘yan eh. Ang TV is for general patronage and parental guidance lang,” Laguardia argued.

However, she also understands that the media was only doing their job, risking their lives in the line of fire to deliver a blow-by-blow account of the scenario.

In doing so, though, Laguradia thinks some got “carried away” by the situation.

“It’s [the] first [time] na ganyan na para siyang pelikula. If you would remember ‘yung pelikulang ‘Speed’ ni Sandra Bullock. Parang ganon eh. Hindi siguro rin alam ng media [kung] pa’no iko-commiunicate ‘to in a proper way and with caution,” she related.

The MTRCB Chair commended “TV Patrol” anchor Ted Failon for reminding adults to guide children about the violent scenes being aired while the news was developing.

“That for me is responsible broadcasting. I hope ‘yung iba ginawa rin ‘yon. At the same time nung sinabi ‘yon, ni-limit ‘yung pag-e-air nila nung violence,” she said.

Since there was no violation on the part of the news programs (as they are not subject for review), Laguardia said the MTRCB will step in only if a formal complaint is filed. “Ipapatawag natin ‘yung news program at ‘yung complainant, maghaharap sila. [And] kung meron mang decision ang MTRCB , pag-aaralan ‘yon. May due process din,” she said, noting that the MTRCB is a quasi-judicial body.

Laguardia added that the complainant may give suggestions on how self-regulation and responsible broadcasting should be practiced.

She called on media to prioritize public service over ratings when delivering the news.

“Dapat kasi ang news programs ang inuuna nila public service, pangalawa ‘yung competition,” she maintained. “Ang nangyayari, kung alin ang mas magandang shot, kung mas malapit don sa bus, mas gusto nila. O sinong mas malapit, [channel] 2, 7 o 5?”

As a personal advice, Chairman Laguardia recommends for government and media to"discuss how to air live coverage. Kailangan meron silang certain parameters on how to air most especially violent scenes.”