Group flags safety gaps after photojournalist dies covering Traslacion

The Movement for Media Safety Philippines on Monday, 12 January, underscored the urgent need to review safety protocols following the death of a photojournalist who collapsed while covering the Traslacion, the procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno, on 9 January.

The group issued the statement after Saksi Ngayon photojournalist Itoh Son collapsed and died while covering the event at the Quirino Grandstand early Friday morning.

Son, 55, reportedly had flu-like symptoms before Christmas and was still experiencing cough and colds when he reported for coverage.

"We remind colleagues that our health, safety, and security are a priority when going out on coverage," the group said.

"Self-assessment on our ability to cover safely, as well as establishing when and how to pull out of coverage, is an essential step in covering planning," it added.

The group, however, acknowledged that making such decisions is more difficult “because of understaffing in newsrooms” and the economic conditions faced by many media workers, particularly photojournalists.

According to the group, photojournalists and reporters for tabloid newspapers "may be paid on a per-piece basis" at rates as low as P50 to P100.

"In consultations we have held with colleagues, we found that others are not paid at all or have their pay delayed," it said.

"These practices practically force media workers to report for work even when they are not physically, mentally, or emotionally ready and also lead to ethical dilemmas and corruption," it added.

The group called on media managers and owners "to keep their staff, stringers, and contributors safe and healthy."