Philippine authorities and media groups are addressing reports of alleged police harassment of two photojournalists covering a protest rally in Pasay City during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministers’ meeting. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) says it will investigate the reports and take appropriate action depending on the findings. Separately, the Philippine National Police (PNP) says it has started investigating the incident, with its chief stating that the probe is guided by evidence, due process and fairness, and that administrative and other legal actions will be taken if police personnel are found to have acted contrary to laws, policies, or procedures.
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) and the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) condemn the alleged harassment. They identify the photojournalists as Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan and say police confronted them and prevented them from photographing the arrest of protesters. PCP also alleges police attempted to arrest Marquez despite him wearing press identification.
Pasay City police contend the confrontation was linked to what officers heard during the rally, saying they tried to restrict the person(s) they believed were involved after hearing something negative, and they cite cursing as potentially constituting resistance or disobedience to a person in authority.
