The Philippine National Police ordered the release of two officers in Leyte after they harassed local media covering a land dispute in which the officers were involved.
The officer-in-charge of the Leyte police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Reli, dismissed Police Staff Sergeant Rhea May Baleos and her husband, Police Staff Sergeant Ver Baleos, of their responsibilities.
They were also compelled to surrender their firearms.
Two officers from the Pastrana Municipal Police Station and the Sta. Fe Municipal Police Station allegedly harassed San Juanico TV reporters Lito Bagunas, Noel Sianos, and Ted Tomas on Friday as they were interviewing farmers in Barangay Jones.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, PSSgt. Rhea Baleos seized Sianosa's smartphone and shoved him.
The three journalists heard gunfire a few minutes later. Officers in uniform, according to Tomas, fired the rounds.
The PNP is investigating the incident, according to the Leyte police chief.
In an initial police report, the tragedy was caused by a land dispute within the Nogal family.
The rice field was mortgaged to Baleos, who requested assistance from the Pastrana police.
The Leyte police said that an argument ensued between Baleos and Anecita Nogal, who claims ownership of the land, over the legality of possessing the rice field.
It went on to say that Sianosa allegedly recorded the dispute, forcing Baleo to "call Mr. Sianosa's attention, and the two had a commotion.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) described the cops' actions as "totally uncalled for, unnecessary, and amounted to abuse of authority and power.
Meanwhile, the Philippines rose 15 places to 132nd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) World Press Freedom Index.
However, the watchdog observed that the country remained one of the world's "most dangerous" for journalists.
According to the NUJP, there were 60 documented infractions against journalists between June 30, 2022, and April 30, 2023. Journalists working outside of the capital were frequently targeted.
