The Altermidya Network condemns the attacks on community journalists covering the farmers’ protest at the Department of Agrarian Reform earlier today, October 19.
Quezon City police attempted to nab Bulatlat reporter Aaron Ernest Cruz while the protest was ongoing, even as Cruz identified himself as a member of the media and was visibly wearing his press ID.
In a video recording, Cruz was seen being surrounded and dragged by police officers, his shirt torn by the apparent manhandling. As of writing, Cruz received first aid treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. He also reported that his bag went missing.
Earlier, an Altermidya Network intern was also targeted by police during the attempted dispersal. Police officers pulled the intern and tried to drag them away from the protest.
We denounce such assault on journalists covering the protest. We demand an impartial investigation on the QCPD on the violent dispersal of farmers, and on the assault and attempted arrest of journalists covering the protest. Such attacks are an affront to free expression and the people’s right to know.
