The Vanguard Condemns PSG, Tacloban City Hall Employee Harassment of Its Reporters in Tacloban

Posted on Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:37 pm

The Vanguard strongly condemns the treatment of legitimate reporters Rolly Magallanes and Jessieboy Novillo by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and an employee of the Tacloban City Hall during their coverage of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the Astrodome in Tacloban this morning, April 15, 2025.

It is important to clarify that their presence was coordinated with the Director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and authorities were aware that they would not enter the venue where the President was located. They were outside the Astrodome conducting interviews with people around, a normal and legitimate media activity.

They were also wearing their official The Vanguard IDs at the time of the incident. Despite this, their IDs were photographed and labeled as “fake” in front of others, an obvious form of disrespect, undermining their credibility, and publicly humiliating them. Such actions are not only an abuse of power but a blatant violation of freedom of the press.

We want to emphasize that Rolly Magallanes and Jessieboy Novillo are legitimate reporters of The Vanguard. Their presence at the event is part of their duty to provide accurate and timely information to the public.

Intimidation, obstruction, and public humiliation against the media have no place in a democracy. They violate not only journalists’ rights but also the public’s right to know the truth.

We call for immediate explanation and accountability from those involved.

Respect the media. Respect the truth. Respect freedom of the press. — The Vanguard