Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. — Photo from Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started investigating an incident in which two photojournalists were reportedly harassed by police officers while they were covering a rally in Pasay City on Wednesday.

“We assure the public that the investigation will be guided by evidence, due process, and fairness,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“Should it be established that any personnel acted contrary to existing laws, PNP policies, or prescribed operational procedures, appropriate administrative and other legal actions will be taken,” he added.

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READ: PCP condemns ‘harassment’ of 2 photojournalists covering rally

The photojournalists, Bullit Marquez and Rene Dilan, were allegedly confronted by police officers and prevented from photographing the arrest of protesters at a rally outside the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, according to the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines.

This came during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

“The PNP recognizes the important role of journalists and media practitioners in documenting events of public interest and respects their freedom to carry out their work,” Nartatez said.

“At the same time, our personnel remain duty-bound to ensure public safety, maintain peace and order, and implement the law,” he added. /jpv

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