THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued an urgent alert on the evening of May 13, as reports confirmed that gunshots were heard coming from inside the Senate building at around 8:00 PM.
The group said it is closely monitoring the rapidly unfolding situation, which comes amid an ongoing lockdown and heavy security presence surrounding the upper chamber while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remains inside under protective custody. The sound of gunfire triggered immediate safety protocols and raised serious concerns about the welfare of everyone within the premises, including members of the media covering the developing crisis.
According to the NUJP, reporters and media personnel were instructed to leave the area, but a number of journalists have been trapped and are still stuck inside the building as tensions remain high.
In response, the organization issued clear safety guidelines to all newsrooms and field reporters, emphasizing that the safety and well‑being of media workers must be the top priority at all times. The advisory instructed those on the ground to drop to the ground immediately during gunfire, move only to secure locations before filing reports, and maintain constant awareness of their surroundings to avoid harm amid the uncertainty.
The NUJP Media Safety Office said it is actively gathering more information, accounts, and updates from its members and other media workers currently at the scene. It also released contact details — mobile number +639602784263 and email nujpsecretariat@proton.me — for anyone needing assistance or wishing to share details of what is happening. As the standoff continues and confusion surrounds events inside the Senate, the group reiterated its call for vigilance and caution, stressing that accurate and safe reporting remains essential even in the middle of a volatile and dangerous situation.
metrosundaily
