Manila, Philippines (PNA) — Malacañang and media groups are discussing three possible parameters for covering crisis situations nationwide.

Presidential Communications Operations office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma said these parameters are delaying broadcast of footage on such incidents and restricting media access to areas where crisis situations develop.

"We also recognize the importance of having a government focal point person," he said.

Discussions on the matter emerged following the Aug. 23 Manila hostage crisis in front of the Quirino grandstand at Luneta last Aug. 23.

Observers believe government should not have allowed media's real-time, blow-by-blow account of the incident since hostage taker dismissed police senior inspector Rolando Mendoza was able to monitor police movement at the scene through the television in the tourist bus he captured.

This crisis ended in the death of Mendoza and eight of his hostages who were visiting Manila then from Hong Kong.

Coloma raised need for delayed broadcast of crisis incidents, noting live airing of government operations will negatively affect efforts to address such situations.

"These can be aired at a later time to avoid jeopardizing this bid," he said.

He reported parties involved in the discussions also saw the need for Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance its administrative supervision capacity.

This will help prevent crowds from getting close to crime scenes, he noted.

"Media people musn't be allowed to either participate or interfere in police operations as their task is to cover the incident," he likewise said.

Observers pointed out journalists who covered the Manila crisis were stationed near the hostaged bus so they were within firing distance from Mendoza.

Authorities warned early on during the crisis that Mendoza was armed with an M-16 rifle.

PNP was also unable to prevent media and kibitzers from crowding the crime scene after a sniper shot Mendoza dead.

Crime scenes must be protected as best as possible so evidence there can be preserved for analysis, observers noted.

To help avoid confusion over information on a crisis situation, Coloma said participants in the discussions are looking at possible designation of a government focal person who can provide details about the matter.

"It's important to have a clearinghouse on what happened," he said.

Government is investigating the hostage-taking incident and targets to conclude this week its inquiry on the matter.