APCHRP: STOP THE ATTACKS ON MEDIA! HOLD PNP ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ATTACKS ON PRESS FREEDOM!
Official statement of Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines on harassment of police on media personnel in Leyte last July 14
It was reported by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) that three media men were attacked by elements of the Philippine National Police on July 14 in Brgy. Jones, Pastrana, and Leyte while covering the stories of peasants in the said barangay are victims of land-grabbing despite being a certified agrarian reform beneficiary.
Media men said that some police named Rhea Mae Baleos violently approached them while interviewing and proceeded to physically attack them until they heard three consecutive gunshots and they screamed “Wag niyo kami paputukan, media kami!” (don’t shoot us)
Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines strongly condemns this fear-mongering attack undermining press freedom. Journalists should practice their profession free from harm, intimidation, and persecution to tell the truth and the stories of people in the community.
Such attack added to 75 more cases (as of April 30) of press freedom attacks recorded under Marcos Jr.’s administration. One press freedom attack is an attack on the entire press which is why we amplify the call to stop the attacks against journalists and Marcos Jr. should be proactive in protecting and defending free press.
No society can genuinely grow if journalists are controlled and the truth is manipulated by those in power. Press freedom is a human right!
