The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) has reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) that the media workers on the ground are not a party to the proceedings.
Following an incident where PNP personnel offered reporters access to the search operations “on the condition they would sign a waiver and agree to be police witnesses,” the NUJP published an official statement calling on all parties involved that the media is only there for coverage.
“Media should not be made to be government witnesses in exchange for being allowed into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound,” the statement reads.
The organization also condemned the verbal harassment and threat of physical harm by KOJC followers to the media’s reportage of the ongoing operation.
“Regardless of their personal positions and emotions, media workers are expected to observe, gather facts and report, and not be cheerleaders for any of the personalities involved,” it reminded.
The NUJP also advised newsrooms with media workers covering the “tense events” to ensure that their reporters are equipped with proper safety provisions and logistical support.
One News mobile journalist Marymon Reyes was reportedly harassed by KOJC members during coverage in Buhangin, Davao, on Monday.
She was forced to leave the premises, repeatedly told “lumayas ka (get away from here),” as seen on a video uploaded by One News.
