Seven Tacloban City-based journalists were not allowed to ask questions during a press conference May 7 organised by the Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Office held at the Provincial Capitol in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Jazmin Bonifacio, NUJP Leyte chairperson, said that she and other Tacloban based journalists were raising their hands but never recognised and allowed to speak. 

The DILG presented former rebels who allegedly surrendered to the authorities.

NUJP Leyte received reliable information that several journalists have been ” blacklisted” by the agency’s regional director.

This incident is a violation of the right to information and the right to free press.