Cops to be sanctioned if photojournalists’ ‘harassment’ is proven

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE? It was a coverage of a protest where photojournalist Bullit Marquez was held by the arm and surrounded by the anti-riot police. (Screengrab from DZRH News) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will penalize the law enforcers who reportedly tried to arrest two photojournalists covering a protest in Pasay City, if it will be proven that the cops did not enforce “maximum tolerance.” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said this in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday. His statement comes a day after the incident took place outside the Philippine International Convention Center during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Wednesday. Article continues after this advertisement “We’ll take a look at that,” Co said when asked if the PNP is finding out whether or not the the police failed to handle the tense situation with utmost patience and courtesy. The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines described the encounter as “harassment.” Photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan were reportedly confronted by the police personnel and were prevented them from taking pictures while protesters were being arrested at the rally. As a reaction, Marquez allegedly cursed, which prompted the police officers to attempt to apprehend him and Dilan as well. READ: PPP: Cops ‘harassing’ photojournalists clear violation of press freedom Article continues after this advertisement According to Co, cursing police officers has a corresponding offense, but he noted that “it doesn’t mean that we will make the arrest.” “Our police practice maximum tolerance. That’s part of the job,” the PNP official emphasized. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Media groups hit police harassment of 2 photojournalists “So if this is a result of being cursed, that will also come out in our [investigation], and we will take the appropriate action to discipline our personnel,” Co noted. The PNP official, meanwhile, did not elaborate on the sanctions police officers might face if it is proven that they committed a wrongdoing. The Press Photographers of the Philippines earlier released a statement on the incident, condemning the reported “harassment”of the photojournalists that as a “clear violation of press freedom.” /apl Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.