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February 25, 2025 – Philippines –
A car belonging to Filipino photojournalist Michael Varcas was bombed outside his Quezon City home in February 2025, in what media watchdogs view as a direct threat to press freedom. Surveillance footage captured two individuals on a motorcycle throwing a Molotov cocktail at the vehicle before fleeing. Fortunately, Varcas, a senior photojournalist with The Philippine Star, was not inside the car and was unharmed. However, the bombing left the vehicle severely damaged and sparked serious concern among press freedom advocates and fellow journalists.
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) immediately condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to intimidate media workers. They emphasized that such actions are meant to silence those who document critical events and expose the truth, particularly amid increasing political tension. The organization urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of journalists who continue to face risks while performing their duties.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also voiced alarm, calling the incident a grave assault on freedom of expression and a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by media practitioners in the country. The NUJP highlighted the increasing trend of violence and harassment against journalists, especially those covering sensitive political issues or holding power to account.
The motives behind the attack remain unclear, and authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators. Nonetheless, the media community in the Philippines has rallied around Varcas, calling for greater protection of journalists and accountability for acts of intimidation and violence.
This incident adds to the troubling pattern of threats faced by journalists in the Philippines, where media workers have historically been targeted with harassment, censorship, and violence. The bombing underscores the urgent need for safeguards to uphold press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of retribution.
Reference –
https://amnesty.org.nz/ukraine-car-bomb-killing-journalist-despicable-attack-freedom-expression/
