THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) - Bacolod Chapter has expressed alarm over the tailing incident involving its chairperson Marchel Espina by an unknown motorcycle rider.
Espina, a former editor-in-chief of SunStar Bacolod, is currently a business reporter of The Visayan Daily Star and correspondent of Rappler.
NUJP-Bacolod Chapter, in its Facebook post, said the incident took place last Sunday afternoon when Espina was returning home from Canlaon City.
The journalist was doing a coverage there related to the recent killings in Negros Oriental.
The motorcycle rider tailed the rented car of Espina for almost 18 kilometers, from Biaknabato to Taburda town.
The driver was alert and prevented attempts by the rider to overtake them. The rider eventually lost the tail, the NUJP said.
"We remind all parties to the continuing armed conflict that journalists are civilians and should not, for whatever reason, be made targets for harassment, threats or attacks," it said.
The group also said that to do so would violate international humanitarian laws to which the Philippines is a signatory.
"We likewise urge state security forces to remain true to their mandate to serve and protect the citizenry, including members of media, and ensure to the best of their ability that we can fulfill our tasks freely and without fear," it added.