Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 18) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is conducting its own probe into the reported harassment of three journalists covering a land dispute in the town of Pastrana, Leyte last July 14.
“CHR-Regional Office VIII is closely monitoring the development of this case simultaneous with the conduct of a parallel probe,” the commission said in a statement.
A video posted by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) showed a female police officer aggressively pushing one of the reporters of San Juanico TV.
Gunshots could also be heard in the footage.
The NUJP said the journalists were interviewing farmers in the area.
READ: 3 journalists harassed by police in Leyte – NUJP
A day after, the Leyte Police Provincial Office said the married police couple involved in the incident – police staff sergeants Rhea May Baleos and Ver Baleos – were relieved of their duties and reassigned to the provincial headquarters.
READ: 2 Leyte cops relieved for allegedly harassing reporters
“Acts of aggression and harassment against media impede the exercise of press freedom, which includes the right to gather and disseminate information without interference,” the CHR said.
It also reminded police to comply with operational procedures, which provide guidelines in their performance to prevent any form of abuse of authority.
“Members of the press must be able to carry out their work without intimidation and threats,” the CHR added. “Lack of media safety hinders the ability of the press to hold power to account and to disseminate important information, which contribute to the erosion of a democratic society.”
