FOCAP Condemns Police Intimidation, Calls for Urgent Protection of Press Freedom

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The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) has voiced grave concern over reports of harassment and intimidation of photojournalists covering the September 21 demonstrations in Mendiola. According to FOCAP, several clearly identifiable journalists — including some of its members — were ordered by police to stop taking pictures, threatened with a baton by a member of the SWAT team, and physically obstructed when a riot shield was shoved against one photographer.

The incidents took place during nationwide rallies marking the anniversary of the 1972 Martial Law declaration, a day often used by civil society groups to highlight issues of corruption, human rights, and government accountability. This year’s demonstrations drew thousands of protesters in Metro Manila and across the country, calling attention to what they described as a “culture of impunity” in governance and law enforcement.

Press freedom advocates warn that such acts are part of a troubling pattern. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has long documented cases of police and security forces using intimidation tactics against reporters covering protests. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in Asia, with over 90 killings recorded since 1992, many linked to political coverage.

FOCAP stressed that the role of the press is to provide independent documentation of events in the public interest. “These actions are unacceptable. Press freedom is paramount, especially in times of civic unrest and public accountability,” the group declared. It further reminded authorities that obstructing journalists undermines democracy itself, as a free press is essential to the people’s right to know.

Local and international organizations — from the NUJP to Human Rights Watch — have also called for stronger protections for journalists and for accountability within the Philippine National Police (PNP). Rights monitors emphasize that dispersing demonstrations does not grant authorities the right to block or endanger reporters, who must be able to carry out their work without intimidation, obstruction, or threats.

FOCAP concluded its statement with a demand for immediate investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to uphold freedom of the press — a cornerstone of democracy that cannot be bargained away, even in tense moments of public dissent.

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