NUJP stated that the media and the journalists’ coverage help forge and strengthen the calls for good governance, urge for clarity in developments and projects, and serve as a ‘journal’ of the events in the country that will not just help the present generation, but the future, as well.

In the statement, NUJP’s Zedrich Madrid a photojournalist, said that police had seized and assaulted him; other reporters were also denied entry to the Mendiola neighborhood and were then dispersed with tear gas.

“The response from the police was disproportionate. The use of tear gas was indiscriminate, affecting not only their ‘targets’ – which are all civilian protesters – but also journalists and bystanders too,” as stated by one writer.

The Union called upon the public, and particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), to respect the role of the media and to maintain that coverage ought to document events and facilitate public outcry without restraints to thoroughly and properly cover and report the truth to the greater public.

While they applauded the immediate action of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, they demanded accountability over the apparent excessive use of force.

Additionally, NUJP encouraged newsrooms to provide safety gear to media staff and to report responsibly, particularly during periods of disinformation after the protest activities.