CHR probes alleged police brutality vs Bulatlat journalist at DAR protest

Daemien Arkin Batacan

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating allegations of excessive police force against Bulatlat journalist Aaron Ernest Cruz during a farmers’ protest outside the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on October 19.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 22, the commission said it was looking into the incident, including reports of harm and harassment involving student journalists who were covering the demonstration.

Cruz was reportedly restrained by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) personnel despite identifying himself as a journalist and presenting his press identification card. Footage circulated by media groups showed officers surrounding and pulling him during the confrontation.

The incident occurred as farmers staged a protest at the DAR Central Office. Media and human rights organizations reported that the police operation to disperse the protest also affected journalists documenting the demonstration.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the alleged violence and called for an investigation into the officers involved. Another journalist, Robie Matias of Far Eastern University and Tudla Productions, also reported being injured during the confrontation.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has coordinated with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), which has deployed investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether accountability measures are warranted.

Meanwhile, QCPD has launched its own investigation into the disturbance following an order from Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Police said investigators were examining the events leading to the confrontation, including allegations that Cruz had struck officers. Cruz’s alleged actions and the officers’ conduct remain matters for investigation.

The CHR stressed that allegations of excessive force must undergo an independent investigation and that public order must not undermine freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and press freedom.

“Any allegation of excessive force must be independently investigated, and those found responsible must be held accountable,” the commission said.

The incident has renewed calls for authorities to protect journalists covering public demonstrations and ensure that complaints involving police conduct are investigated impartially.