THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Thursday it is conducting a probe into alleged excessive use of force by the police against a journalist during a farmers’ protest outside the Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City on Monday.
Aron Ernest Cruz, writer of Bulatlat, an online alternative news outlet, sustained bruises during an attempted arrest, reports showed.
CHR spokesman Beda Epres said the investigation would push through whether or not Cruz would file a complaint.
“The CHR is also looking into reports of harm and harassment involving student journalists during the protest,” Epres said.
“Any allegation of excessive force must be independently investigated, and those found responsible must be held accountable,” Epres added.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered a separate investigation into the incident.
“As always, the city government maintains the position that anyone proven to have used their authority to harm, intimidate, or obstruct peaceful expression must be held accountable,” Belmonte said.
Section 7(3) of the Philippine National Police’s Rule on Media Relations, Safety of Journalists and Media Practitioners, and Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Access to Public Information prohibits the use of force against journalists under any circumstance, especially during high-pressure situations. ARLIE CALALO
“This principle should be upheld even during the dissolution or dispersion of the demonstrations or persecution and detention of demonstrators, acts of brutality or arbitrary detention of access, detention, or arrest of journalists,” it read.
