THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has raised serious concern over the total lockdown imposed on the Senate premises, calling on authorities to restore normal access and ensure the safety of media workers and the public.
In a statement, the group noted that strict measures were put in place, including the installation of barbed wire and the closing of main entrance roller doors, effectively trapping journalists inside the complex while preventing others from entering.
The security clampdown reportedly followed an attempt by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives to serve an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
NUJP emphasized that media personnel are deployed at the Senate to cover matters of vital national interest, and restricting their movement hinders the public’s right to know.
“Media workers inside the complex are not allowed to go out, and those outside cannot enter,” the group observed, describing the situation as unprecedented and alarming. The union stressed that journalists are merely performing their constitutional duty to report facts, and they should not be caught in the middle of legal and political standoffs that put their safety and welfare at risk.
The organization appealed to the Senate leadership to immediately allow the free flow of movement, ensuring that reporters can properly do their jobs without hindrance.
“We urge Senate leadership to allow colleagues access to and egress from the chamber as they perform their duties,” NUJP said. Furthermore, the group called on all parties involved to resolve the tense situation peacefully and responsibly, urging them to avoid actions that could endanger not only the media but also other innocent individuals present on the legislative grounds.
