The Filipino Freelance Journalists’ Guild expresses its support for its member, photojournalist Ezra Acayan, who has been accused by lawyer Wilfredo Garrido of benefiting from EJK victims for “clicks and likes”.
On March 26, 2025, Mr. Garrido posted one of Mr. Acayan’s past photos on Facebook without permission. The photograph in question—an image of children crying at the wake of a young EJK victim—was used to poke fun at relatives of overseas Filipino workers, after some, who are supporters of former president Duterte, announced a “Zero Remittance Week” protest.
As a response, Mr. Acayan simply questioned Mr. Garrido’s intent. The latter then made his accusations on the social media platform.
The FFJ denounces the misuse of the photo, which is a clear record of the human rights violations that were committed during Duterte’s so-called “drug war”. Using this image for satire is not only unethical, but also inhumane.
Firstly, we would like to remind Mr. Garrido and the public that using another person’s body of work without their authority is tantamount to theft.
Second, we would also like to emphasize that photojournalists like Mr. Acayan do not capture and publish pictures just for “clicks and likes”. Being witnesses to significant events and sharing their accounts of these moments in time to the world, even if these are uncomfortable, is not exploitation. Rather, it is their duty as truth-tellers.
The guild urges Mr. Garrido to take down his post, out of respect for the families. Instead of punching down, why not call for justice for the victims. That is the least that any Filipino can do.