MANILA — Several media organizations on Wednesday condemned the alleged harassment of journalists covering an anti-ASEAN protest in Pasay City and called for an investigation after police officers reportedly attempted to arrest veteran photojournalist Bullit Marquez and obstructed media coverage of the demonstration.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP), the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP), the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) separately issued statements denouncing the incident and urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

The incident occurred during a protest held in connection with the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to the media groups, police officers prevented Marquez, a former Associated Press chief photographer in the Philippines, and Manila Times photo editor Rene Dilan from documenting the arrest of protesters. Marquez said officers attempted to handcuff him, causing his cameras to fall to the ground during the confrontation.

Video footage circulating online showed Marquez being surrounded by several police officers while colleagues identified him as a member of the press. Dilan also allegedly faced attempts by police to seize his camera before fellow journalists intervened.

Environmental activist and Bulatlat contributor Jian Sanz was also briefly arrested near the protest venue before being released after a paralegal team sought her release, according to the NUJP.

In separate statements, the NUJP, PPP, PCP and FOCAP said the alleged actions violated press freedom and the constitutional right of journalists to cover events of public interest without intimidation or interference.

The NUJP also urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the incident, saying it was not the first time police personnel had allegedly harassed journalists during protest coverage. The group cited a similar incident during anti-corruption protests on Sept. 21, 2025.

PTFOMS said it was “deeply concerned” over reports of police harassment targeting media personnel and condemned any act of aggression against journalists performing their duties.

The agency said it is coordinating with Marquez and other media practitioners to determine possible courses of action and encouraged journalists who believe their rights were violated to file formal complaints.

In response, the Southern Police District (SPD) said it respects press freedom and recognizes the role of journalists in informing the public while maintaining its commitment to human rights.

Citing an initial police report, the SPD said officers were enforcing security protocols by preventing protesters from entering a restricted control point when a pushing and shoving incident occurred between rally participants and police personnel. It added that several police officers were also injured during the confrontation.

The district said the Philippine National Police does not employ violence in the lawful performance of its duties and that personnel are required to exercise maximum tolerance.

The SPD said it has launched an investigation into the incident and pledged that any police personnel found to have violated laws, policies or operational procedures would face appropriate administrative and legal sanctions.

The district also vowed to uphold transparency, accountability and a professional working relationship with the media. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)

📸Screengrab from video of Mike Alquinto and DZRH News