Napolcom to probe cops in alleged harassment of 2 photojournalists

File photo of the DILG-Napolcom Building on EDSA corner Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. Image from the DILG’s Facebook page. MANILA, Philippines – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Wednesday said it will investigate reports that police officers harassed two photojournalists covering a protest action and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The statement came after photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly harassed by police officers while covering a rally held in connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Pasay City on Wednesday. Photojournalist groups, including the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) and the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP), condemned the alleged harassment and called on authorities to investigate the incident. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PCP condemns ‘harassment’ of 2 photojournalists covering rally According to the PCP, police attempted to arrest Marquez despite him wearing his press ID and were preparing to handcuff him when his camera fell to the ground. Both journalists were then released after fellow members of the media intervened. Napolcom said that it “takes seriously” the reported incident, noting that police officers are expected to be knowledgeable and uphold the rules in governing media relations and safety of journalists and media practitioners, as well as the protection of freedom of expression. “We assure the public and the media community that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated,” Napolcom said in a statement. The commission also said that facts will be established “objectively” to ensure that appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation. Article continues after this advertisement “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 added. READ: Ateneo fetes journo-activist in rites shadowed by athlete deaths Article continues after this advertisement Meanwhile, the Southern Police District (SPD) said that the incident is already under investigation, noting that it “will be conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with due process.” Citing its initial police report, the SPD said that during an ensuing commotion, pushing and shoving occurred between some rallyists and police officers, noting that some officers were injured during the commotion. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “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. Should the investigation establish that any police personnel committed misconduct or violated existing laws, policies, or procedures, appropriate administrative and legal actions shall be taken against those found responsible,” it said in a separate statement. /jpv