Philippines: Armed Threats Against Journalists Covering Demolition
Incident part of a disturbing trend of impunity for crimes against journalists that authorities have yet to address decisively
Location: Philippines, Angeles CityDate: March 12, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands resolutely against the harrowing threats and acts of violence directed at journalists Joann Manabat and Rowena Quejada in Angeles City, Philippines, on March 12, 2024. The intimidation these journalists faced — threats of violence and being held at gunpoint — while covering a contentious demolition operation is utterly unacceptable. We applaud the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for promptly initiating an investigation into these attacks. Such actions are critical for holding those responsible accountable and for sending a clear message that violence against journalists will not be tolerated. However, this incident is part of a disturbing trend of impunity for crimes against journalists in the Philippines, a trend that the government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to address decisively. We urge Marcos Jr. to honor his commitment to press freedom and take concrete steps to create an environment where journalists can perform their duties without fear. Attacks on journalists not only silence individual voices but also threaten the very foundations of freedom and justice.
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On March 12, 2024, journalists Joann Manabat and Rowena Quejada faced terrifying threats while covering a violent demolition of homes. The attacks occurred during a conflict between residents of Sitio Balubad in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, Pampanga, and Clark Hills Properties Corporation. The corporation sought to acquire a 72-hectare land, impacting over 500 households and approximately 2,000 residents who fell victim to land grabbing.
Tensions soared as 500 police officers, along with an armed group allegedly associated with the corporation, moved to dismantle a barricade set up by residents resisting the demolition. In the chaos, shots were fired indiscriminately, resulting in several injuries. Amidst this turmoil, journalists covering the event found themselves targeted.
K5 News Olongapo journalist Rowena Quejada, initially reported missing, was later confirmed to have been held at gunpoint by armed men. One of the armed men pointed a gun at the reporter, instructing her to stop recording, and proceeded to verbally abuse her, labeling the media as "demons" for covering the land dispute. Quejada managed to escape the dangerous situation by seeking shelter in the home of a local resident until tensions subsided.
Reporter for renowned independent news outlet Rappler, Joann Manabat, was also attacked. She was accosted by men wearing red and white shirts who threatened her, warning that she would be shot if she continued filming. Residents helped Manabat, escorting her away from the armed group to safety.
Following these attacks, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office in Central Luzon launched an investigation. The CHR is an independent constitutional office that investigates all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights in the Philippines.
“As an independent human rights institution, the commission actively condemns all acts of violence against journalists as these negatively impact the situation of press freedom of the country and may lead the Philippine democracy towards decay,” the commission said in a statement.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also denounced the threats and provided support to the affected journalists.
Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Continues in Philippines
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s embarked on a visit to Germany on the same day as the attacks, international press freedom and human rights organizations called on German authorities to prioritize addressing the Philippines' record of impunity in journalist killings. Specifically, they urged Germany, as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), to press Marcos to solve the murder case of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega, who was killed in 2011.
Despite initial promises to protect journalists' rights, little progress has been made in improving press freedom under President Marcos Jr. Attacks on journalists persist, with three killed since he took office, alongside numerous legal attacks and harassment cases. While anti-press rhetoric has decreased compared to Duterte’s administration, a "culture of fear" remains, inhibiting critical voices. Cases against journalists and media houses under Duterte continue, such as the ongoing detention of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and the rejection of Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa's appeal.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the attacks against Joann Manabat and Rowena Quejada. The act of threatening them at gunpoint while they are filming constitutes a brazen attempt to intimidate and silence the truth. The investigation initiated by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into this distressing incident is a welcome announcement, the armed group responsible for the assault must be held accountable. Women Press Freedom also echoes the collective voice of other press freedom organizations, urging German and European authorities, known champions of media freedom, to exert pressure on the Philippine government. The perpetrators of journalist killings, who have evaded justice for far too long, need to be brought to trial. With this in mind, we call upon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to translate his rhetoric into action by ensuring an environment where the press can operate freely and safely.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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