Photojournalists decry alleged police harassment while covering anti-ASEAN rally

The Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) on Wednesday slammed the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the alleged harassment of photojournalists by police personnel at an anti-ASEAN demonstration in Pasay City.

“The PPP strongly condemns the Philippine National Police for harassing veteran photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan during their coverage of an anti-ASEAN protest in Pasay City on July 22, 2026,” it said in a statement.

The PPP urged the PNP to investigate the matter.

“Denouncing the incident as a clear violation of press freedom and the constitutional right to gather news, the PPP demands a swift, transparent PNP investigation to hold the responsible personnel accountable,” it said.

The group of photojournalists says it firmly stands in solidarity with Marquez, Dilan and all media workers, adding that law enforcement should strictly respect journalists' rights and protect their fundamental duty to inform the public without fear or intimidation.

Marquez, Dilan and other media members were covering a rally during the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

According to the Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines (PCP), the police tried to arrest Marquez, who was wearing his press credentials, and attempted to handcuff him.

Marquez's camera fell to the ground during the confrontation.

“Journalists and photojournalists perform a vital public service by documenting events of public interest. They must be allowed to carry out their work without threats, obstruction, or intimidation,” PCP said.

“Any act by law enforcement that prevents members of the press from documenting public assemblies undermines press freedom, the public's right to information, and the principles of transparency and accountability. The safety and independence of journalists must be respected at all times, including during protests and other high-profile public events,” the PCP added.

The PCP also called for an investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable and for all law enforcement personnel to uphold and protect the rights of journalists in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and international standards on press freedom.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who were harassed and reaffirm our commitment to defending the right to report freely, safely, and without interference,” it added.

In a statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expressed its deep concern regarding the alleged police harassment and attempted arrest of Marquez.

“According to Marquez, police officers obstructed him from documenting the arrest of a protester. During the incident, officers attempted to handcuff him, resulting in damage to his camera,” the PTFOMS said.

“PTFOMS strongly condemns this act of aggression against members of the press performing their professional duties by covering public demonstrations. Journalists have the right to safely report and document matters of public interest,” it added.

The PTFOMS said it is already actively coordinating with Marquez and other media practitioners for possible action on the incident.

Further, it encouraged any member of the press who felt their rights were violated to come forward and file complaints.

“We urge authorities to respect and protect the rights and safety of the press, allowing them to perform their duties independently. Any use of force or intimidation against journalists undermines press freedom and the public's right to information,” it said.

Meanwhile, the National Press Club (NPC) said it is set to coordinate with the PTFOMS to request a dialogue with the PNP following the incident.

“Our objective is not to lodge a complaint but to foster better understanding and prevent similar situations from happening again. We will reaffirm the importance of press freedom while also reminding our fellow journalists to uphold professionalism and treat our law enforcement officers with respect,” it said.

Southern Police District

The Southern Police District (SPD) said it has taken note of the statement by the PPP regarding the incident, as it expressed respect for the freedom of the press and the role of journalists and media practitioners to keep the public informed.

Citing an initial police report, the SPD said the deployed personnel enforced established security protocols by preventing rally participants from entering a restricted control point.

But following a commotion, the SPD said a pushing and shoving incident occurred between the rally participants and police personnel, resulting in several police personnel also sustaining injuries.

“The Philippine National Police does not employ violence against any individual in the performance of its lawful duties, and all police personnel are mandated to exercise maximum tolerance and adhere to existing operational procedures at all times,” it said.

The SPD said it is already probing the incident.

“Nevertheless, the Southern Police District takes all allegations involving its personnel seriously. The incident is currently under investigation to establish the complete facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with due process.”

“The Southern Police District does not tolerate or condone any act that violates the rights of any person or falls below the standards of professionalism expected from every member of the Philippine National Police,” it added.

Appropriate administrative and legal actions will be taken against those found responsible if the investigation establishes that any police personnel committed misconduct or violated existing laws, policies, or procedures, the SPD said.

NAPOLCOM

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said it takes seriously the reported incident that involved photojournalists covering the protest in Manila.

“We assure the public and the media community that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated. Should the investigation establish that any police personnel violated the law, existing PNP rules, or established operational procedures, they will be held accountable and dealt with accordingly,” it said.

The PNP said it has existing rules specifically governing media relations, the safety of journalists and media practitioners, the protection of freedom of expression, and access to public information.

It encouraged police personnel to know, observe, and uphold these rules at all times, particularly during public assemblies where both public safety and the public’s right to information must be protected.

“Maintaining peace and order and protecting press freedom are not competing duties. Our police officers are expected to do both. If established rules were violated, there will be accountability. The authority entrusted to our police must always be exercised within the bounds of law and with full respect for the rights of journalists performing their legitimate duties," Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said.

NAPOLCOM said it will ensure facts are established objectively and that appropriate action is taken based on the results of the investigation.

“At the same time, we reiterate our expectation that all PNP personnel exercise professionalism, restraint, and respect for constitutional rights in the performance of their duties,” it said. —LDF, GMA News