NUJP condemns police violence vs Bulatlat reporter, campus journo during farmers’ protest

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned police violence against a Bulatlat reporter and other media workers covering the Peasant Month farmers’ protest at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office in Quezon City on Monday, October 19. 

The incident occurred during the “Southern Tagalog Salubungan” program for Peasant Month, where farmers staged a protest outside the DAR office to oppose policies and projects they said threaten agricultural communities and assert their demands.

Ernest Cruz, a reporter for Bulatlat was among the media workers covering the protests when police officers allegedly harassed him and attempted to arrest him. Despite Cruz identifying himself as a member of the media and presenting his identification card, officers continued to pull him as they attempted to restrain him.

Robbie Matias, campus journalist from Far Eastern University and a Tudla correspondent, was also reported injured after being caught in the confrontation between police and the protesters. 

NUJP condemned the incident in its October 19 statement, calling on the authorities to investigate the officers involved and ensure accountability for the violence against media workers. 

The organization also urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the incident. 

Pattern of Media Harassment

NUJP said the incident was not an isolated case, citing previous instances of police harassment and violence against journalists covering protests. 

During the September 21, 2025 anti-corruption protests, journalists reported being assaulted, obstructed and exposed to tear gas while covering police operations. 

Following the protests, Polytechnic University of the Philippines student journalist Jacob Baluyot was issued a subpoena by the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group over allegations linking him to organizations involved in violent incidents during demonstrations.

The NUJP also cited the July 22 incident in Pasay City, when police attempted to arrest photojournalists Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan while they were covering a protest. 

The NUJP stressed that the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Revised Media Relations Policy recognizes the media’s role in upholding the public’s right to information.

It also pointed to an October 2025 agreement between the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), which the NUJP said prohibits the use of force against media workers and provides mechanisms for investigating complaints against police personnel.

The organization further invoked the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which calls on governments and relevant institutions to protect journalists and ensure they can perform their work safely.

The NUJP called on authorities to apply these safeguards on Cruz’s case and ensure journalists can cover protests without fear of violence or obstruction.

The incident has renewed concern over the safety of journalists covering mobilization. The NUJP reiterated its call for police to stop harassing journalists and urged authorities to ensure accountability for violations against members of the press.