PCP Statement: Immediate action on attack against Davao photojournalist sought
20130220_PCP_logo_BW
PCP Statement on Davao incident
We demand immediate action on attack against Davao photojournalist
The Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines (PCP) expresses grave concern over the mauling of Inquirer photojournalist Karlos Manlupig who was covering a protest action by victims of a disaster in Davao City.
Reports reaching the PCP, an organization of photojournalists in the country, noted that police hit Manlupig with truncheons on the head, arms and other parts of the body. The report said the officers shoved our colleague using anti-riot shields.
The incident happened while Manlupig was interviewing a protester inside the regional office of the social welfare department in the city. At least six policemen mauled Manlupig for allegedly only taking photographs of protesters hurt in an earlier violent dispersal.
We call on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately take action against the erring policemen. We demand sanctions and disciplinary measures, including dismissal from the service if it is warranted, after a thorough and transparent investigation.
We make it clear to the PNP that attacks and violence against photojournalists is not tolerated. We note that previous incidents of alleged violence against journalists in this country have not resulted in any action.
Mike Alquinto
Chairman
Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines
RELATED LINKS:
Read National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Alert HERE