The Press Photographers of the Philippines on Wednesday denounced the alleged harassment of two photojournalists by police officers while they were covering a protest in Pasay City, calling the incident a violation of press freedom.
The group said photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly confronted by police while documenting demonstrations held alongside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings.
The organization urged the Philippine National Police to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation and hold accountable any personnel found responsible for the incident.
It also called on law enforcement officers to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to perform their duties without intimidation or interference.
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines likewise condemned the incident, alleging that officers attempted to arrest Marquez despite his identification as a member of the press.
The group said police were preparing to handcuff Marquez when his camera fell to the ground, and that he and Dilan were released only after fellow journalists intervened.
In response, the Philippine National Police said it had begun an investigation into the incident, with PNP chief Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. assuring the public that the inquiry would be guided by evidence, due process and fairness.
The National Police Commission also announced a separate investigation and said police officers would face accountability if the probe established that any laws or regulations had been violated.
