Filipino photojournalist nearly arrested covering protest

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 July 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Veteran photojournalist Bullit Marquez was nearly arrested while photographing a Pasay City protest after police mistook him for a participant despite his press ID and camera. Media groups urged clearer police protocols and stronger protections for journalists.

Summary

MANILA — Veteran Filipino photojournalist Bullit Marquez of VERA Files was nearly arrested by police while covering a protest in Pasay City after officers mistakenly identified him as a demonstrator despite his press identification and camera equipment. The incident occurred during a scuffle as police attempted to stop him from photographing officers removing a protester.

Marquez and media organizations subsequently called for greater respect for journalists and stronger safeguards for members of the press covering public demonstrations, saying that reporters must be able to document events without fear of interference as they carry out their professional duties.

Incident raises reporting concerns

The episode highlights the risks journalists continue to face while covering protests and other high-tension public events, even when clearly identifiable as members of the media. Press freedom advocates have long argued that law enforcement agencies should ensure officers can distinguish journalists from participants in demonstrations and respect their role in documenting events of public interest.

The Philippines has remained under scrutiny by international press freedom organizations over the safety of journalists, making incidents involving police interactions with reporters particularly significant for media watchdogs and news organizations.

Wider implications for newsrooms

For editors and news organizations, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols, visible press identification, and clear communication with authorities during potentially volatile assignments. It also reinforces broader concerns about ensuring journalists can report freely from the scene of public demonstrations without intimidation or obstruction.

WHY THIS MATTERS: Incidents in which journalists are mistaken for protesters can have a chilling effect on frontline reporting and reduce the public's access to independent documentation of events. News organizations, police agencies, and governments all have a role in ensuring that journalists can safely perform their work while covering matters of public interest.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available reports and statements concerning the incident involving VERA Files photojournalist Bullit Marquez.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.