Protesters interrogate Iloilo-based photojournalist

CMFR/ Philippines – A group of protesters allegedly held and interrogated a photojournalist covering their protest along Iloilo Circumferential Road 1 on 4 October 2015. Iloilo is 865 kilometers south of Manila.

Panay News and Philippine Daily Inquirer photojournalist Guijo Dueñas was taking photos of the protest when a group of people allegedly with Alab Katipunan (Blaze Society) and Bakuran ng Progresibong Mambubukid (Association of Progressive Farmers) held him and confiscated his equipment.

Alab Katipunan and Bukluran ng Progresibong Magbubukid ng Pilipinas were protesting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meetings held in Iloilo from September 27 to October 6.

Dueñas told CMFR that he happened to pass by a rally and decided to stop and take some photos. Seven men took his digital single lens reflex camera while he was taking shots. The men held him by his arms and shoulders and interrogated him.

Dueñas told the men that he was from the media. The protesters asked for his identification card which Dueñas forgot to bring when the incident happened.

Dueñas sought the assistance of some police officers who saw the incident but the officers did not do anything to help him.

The protesters returned Dueñas’ camera after he returned home, got his identification card and showed it to them.

Dueñas sustained bruises on his arms from the incident.