Philippines: Non-Binary Journalist Roy Barbosa Faces Threats During Protest Coverage
September 3, 2024 - Philippines, Manila
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the threats and harassment faced by Roy Barbosa, a Manila Today journalist targeted for both their non-binary gender identity and their work covering protests against the country’s revived terror law. We demand immediate accountability and call on the Filipino government to ensure the safety of women and LGBTQI journalists. This egregious targeting is a clear violation of press freedom and must not be tolerated.
Recalling the incident on September 3 in Manila, Barbosa shared with WPF that they were live-covering the protest when they noticed someone covertly filming the demonstrators from behind a vehicle. “He probably realized I saw him, so he quickly walked away. However, I panned my live camera toward him. Suddenly, he came back and started yelling, demanding I take down the video. I told him I was a journalist, just doing my job.”
As the situation escalated, a lawyer from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and paralegals intervened when the individual, claiming to be a vlogger, refused to show identification and resorted to further intimidation. “He spat on me, yelled at me, and called someone, saying it was the chief of police,” Barbosa added. The vlogger later gathered others, including a police chief, who intercepted Barbosa’s colleagues and the paralegals.
“At around 6:00 PM, I published my report, including details of the harassment. Minutes later, an unknown Facebook user messaged me, revealing my full name and red-tagging me. It felt like déjà vu — a tactic used to target labor activists with terror charges.”
Barbosa described the attack as "a blatant attempt to silence journalists," particularly those reporting on the terror law, which is being wielded to vilify, arrest, or even kill activists championing the marginalized. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been harassed,” Barbosa said. “Since starting at Manila Today in 2019, I’ve faced physical, emotional, and mental threats. It feels like déjà vu.”
“He spat on me, yelled at me, and called someone, saying it was the chief of police”
The journalist emphasized that red-tagging is a precursor to arrest, abduction, or death. “It’s used alongside trumped-up charges, like those against Salem, Cumpio, Esparago, and Cubelo. Red-tagging creates a narrative that instills fear in the public.”
Barbosa warned that the media in the Philippines is “under siege,” with the looming threat of another Marcos dictatorship setting a dangerous precedent for journalists, especially women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. “For community and alternative media, the weaponization of laws like cyberlibel, the anti-terrorism act, and red-tagging only exacerbate harassment and intimidation by state forces against journalists simply doing their jobs.”
We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent threats made against journalist Venelina Popova by Mayor Nikolay Tonev of Galabovo.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent upholding of the 5-year prison sentence of unjustly imprisoned editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran of the news site Zarig by the Mongolian appeals court.
We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the arbitrary denial of credentials to several journalists, including political correspondent Tara Palmeri, at former President Donald Trump's election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the egregious violation of human rights faced by imprisoned journalist and Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom condemns the violation that led to the temporary suspension of journalist Cristina Fallarás' Instagram account.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the essential hospitalization of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi following nearly nine weeks of denied medical care. This critical step highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of advocates fighting for justice and human rights.
Damiana Veleva was obstructed by men at a polling station in Dolno Osenovo, facing threats to seize her phone. Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by Mayor Ismail Ibryam while reporting on voting violations in Vulnari. Zdravka Maslyankova encountered threats from a candidate's son in Veliko Tarnovo after probing into vote trading.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the targeted attack by Israeli forces on a compound housing 18 journalists, including Yumna Fawaz, in the early morning hours. Fawaz, in a direct statement to Women Press Freedom, noted that the compound had been designated as a safe zone for journalists; however, three journalists were killed in this attack.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
WPF welcomes the arrest of a man suspected to be Rodriguez's killer, but we demand that the authorities in the Philippines ensure swift justice for the slain journalist and safety of those working to report the truth. A fair probe and accountability in this case is inevitable.
Political commentator Sonia Dahmani sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison for "spreading false news" regarding remarks she made about racism against sub-Saharan Africans.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the illegal 48-hour detention and intimidation of CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward and her team while covering the urgent humanitarian crisis in North Darfur by rival militia. They endured threats and lengthy interrogations, with their driver taken away in chains. Held under armed guard, they faced limited access to food, water, and privacy. This distressing incident underscores the escalating dangers journalists encounter in conflict zones and the pressing need to safeguard press freedom.
WPF firmly condemns the state's continued persecution of photo journalist Deisy Peña. She & her colleague Paúl León are being prosecuted on bogus charges of "terrorism" & "criminal association" just for doing their jobs—covering protests against electoral fraud in July.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the editorial board's plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, leading to the resignation of editorial editor Maria Garza. This interference is a serious breach of journalistic integrity and undermines the crucial principle of editorial independence within a respected news organization.
We commend the US justice system for acknowledging the grave risks faced by women journalists like Masih and reaffirm the urgent need to protect human rights and hold oppressive regimes accountable.
Despite the innocuous nature of her tweet, Turkish authorities interpreted it as politically sensitive, leading to the court's decision to block Zaman’s account.
We are deeply concerned about the lack of safety for journalists, who often work without adequate protection.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the continued harassment and unjust treatment of journalist and women’s rights activist Jina Modares-Gorji. The recent order for her to report to Sanandaj Prison, following a notice from the Sanandaj Criminal Enforcement Court, is a blatant violation of her rights and a troubling example of the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and dissent.
