CHR to probe alleged media harassment during KJC standoff

POLICE CORDON Civil disobedience management troops of the Philippine National Police remain outside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City on August 27, 2024, the fourth day of their standoff with followers of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. — INQUIRER file photo / JOSELLE R. BADILLA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it will investigate the reported media harassment during the coverage of police operations to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.

Thirty-one journalists reported “verbal abuse, threats, harassment, intimidation, and humiliation” by KJC members during the sect’s standoff with the police from August 24 to September 8.

READ: Davao journos decry harassment during Quiboloy arrest coverage

The CHR said its mandate included protecting media workers’ rights.

“Any act of harassment against media workers is an attack on the flow of truthful information that allows citizens to make informed decisions on matters that affect them,” the CHR statement read.

“It is their responsibility to report the truth, and it is our responsibility to protect their rights and ensure that they can work without fear,” the commission added.

READ: Gov’t pressed to take adequate action for media workers’ safety

During the National Press Week last February, the CHR launched its Alisto! Alert Mechanism for media workers to report rights violations.