Altermidya Network condemns the apparent attempt by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) to intimidate campus journalist Jacob Vergara Baluyot, associate editor of The Catalyst, after he covered the September 21 Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon protest in Mendiola.
Two policemen reportedly visited Baluyot’s residence on Tuesday afternoon to “investigate” the protest. The subpoena, signed by CIDG Acting Director Police Major General Robert Morico II, compels him to appear at Camp Crame on October 10 under threat of contempt charges pursuant to Republic Act No. 10973.
We ask: Why is a campus journalist being summoned by the police for covering a public protest?
The police must clarify why Baluyot—who was in Mendiola as a member of the press—is being asked to explain his presence in the Sept 21 protest. Is this an effort by the CIDG to intimidate the youth, including the campus press, from participating in and covering protests against corruption?
This action reveals a troubling pattern of state harassment meant to discourage young people from joining or reporting on anti-corruption protests. Protests like Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon continue to grow because corruption remains unaddressed. Instead of responding to the people’s call for accountability, authorities resort to intimidation—acts that clearly violate freedom of expression, press freedom, and the people’s right to know.
If journalists, campus press, and netizens were not in Mendiola to document events, who would have exposed the police brutality, excessive force, and harassment inflicted on protesters and ordinary citizens demanding transparency and justice? Silencing those who bear witness only deepens impunity.
Altermidya Network stands in firm solidarity with The Catalyst, the PUP student press community, and all youth and media workers who continue to tell the truth despite fear and repression.
We call on the PNP and CIDG to withdraw this baseless subpoena and to stop weaponizing the law against journalists and the youth.#
