Photojournalists covering ASEAN rally protest alleged police harassment

MANILA, Philippines – The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation by police officers of two photojournalists covering a protest rally in Pasay City on Wednesday, held in connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meetings. “Among them were freelance photojournalist Bullit Marquez, former chief photographer of the Associated Press in the Philippines, and Manila Times photo editor Rene Dilan,” said the PCP. “Police officers confronted the two and prevented them from photographing the arrest of protesters,” added the PCP. According to PCP, police officers attempted to arrest Marquez despite him wearing press credentials and were preparing to handcuff him when his camera fell to the ground during the confrontation. Both journalists were released after fellow members of the media intervened. “Journalists and photojournalists perform a vital public service by documenting events of public interest,” said the PCP “They must be allowed to carry out their work without threats, obstruction, or intimidation,” the PCP added. The organization warned that actions by law enforcement that hinder members of the press from covering public assemblies threaten press freedom. PCP also said the actions undermine the public’s right to information, and weaken the principles of transparency and accountability. It added that journalists’ safety and independence must be protected at all times, including during protests and other major public events. “We call on the authorities to investigate these incidents, hold those responsible accountable,” said the PCP. READ: Photojournalists slam cops’ ‘disturbing hostility’ vs press in Sept. 21 rally PCP said authorities must “ensure that all law enforcement personnel uphold and protect the rights of journalists in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and international standards on press freedom.” The group also expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the right of the press to report freely, safely, and without interference. /gsg