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September 28, 2025 – Philippines –
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) strongly denounced what it described as disturbing police hostility against members of the press who covered the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies. Marking the anniversary of martial law’s declaration, the protests were meant to spotlight government accountability and alleged misuse of funds, but for photojournalists on the ground, the day became a reminder of the fragile state of press freedom.
PCP reported that numerous journalists were obstructed while attempting to document the demonstrations. Officers reportedly blocked their access to public spaces, mishandled their equipment, and in some cases, physically pushed them away from protest areas. The group emphasized that many of these journalists carried proper identification and press credentials, yet they were still treated as intruders rather than independent observers. Such acts, PCP argued, not only endanger the safety of media workers but also compromise the public’s right to accurate reporting.
The rallies, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” were staged in Manila landmarks such as Luneta Park and EDSA, where thousands demanded transparency over alleged anomalies in flood-control spending. While the majority of events unfolded peacefully, tensions flared in Mendiola and Recto, where skirmishes broke out between protesters and police. Witnesses reported that law enforcement officers clashed with demonstrators who threw stones and improvised explosives. Journalists in these zones found themselves caught between the chaos and the aggressive tactics of police, heightening the risks they faced.
PCP stressed that journalists are not participants in political struggles but rather observers tasked with documenting history as it happens. By barring them from scenes of unrest, authorities undermine the checks and balances essential in a democracy. The group called on the Philippine National Police to immediately investigate reports of harassment and to issue stronger guarantees for press safety in future mass gatherings.
In its statement, PCP reminded the public that silencing or intimidating the press directly weakens the people’s ability to demand accountability. The organization urged citizens to recognize that every restriction on journalists is a restriction on society’s right to know. As the country continues to grapple with questions of corruption and governance, PCP warned that the battle for truth will only intensify if press freedom is left unprotected.
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