Filipino photojournalists among the world’s best

AMSTERDAM — Two Filipino photojournalists received their prestigious award from the World Press Photo in a ceremony led by Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands.

Held here last May 28 at the city’s historic De Nieuwe Kerk, the event recognized Jes Aznar’s Scam Hub Under Siege, published in The New York Times and The Associated Press’ Aaron Favila’s Wedding in the Flood as part of the 2026 World Press Photo Contest.

Aznar and Favila were among only 42 winners this year out of 3,747 photographers across 141 countries, and two out of seven winners in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region.

In its comment on Aznar’s work, the jury said: “This story provides a rare, inside look at facilities in Myanmar where ‘scammers’ are, in fact, victims of human trafficking. Through strong, accessible images, the photographer reveals the unimaginable scale and complexity of these crimes, highlighting how seemingly ordinary offices are places where people are effectively enslaved. The work offers regional insight; transforming an abstract news report into a vivid visual account of exploitation.”

On Favila’s work: “This story offers a fresh perspective on climate change and intensifying tropical storms affecting the region, capturing the scale of the disaster while centering the resilience of local communities. The story demonstrates a range of symbolic, memorable images, showing people continuing celebrations despite rising waters. By highlighting both the human and environmental dimensions, the photographer provides a great visual record of a recurring crisis with growing significance.”

The 2026 World Press Photo Contest works with a system that includes six regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific and Oceania, Europe, North and Central America, South America and West, Central and South Asia.

Yasuyoshi Chiba, chief photographer with Agence France-Presse for Indonesia and East Timor, chaired the jury for the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region where Aznar and Favila won.

Besting all 42 winners is the World Press Photo of the Year, Separated by ICE by Carol Guzy for Miami Herald while the finalists are Aid Emergency in Gaza, by Saber Nuraldin of EPA Images and the Trials of the Achi Women by Victor Blue for The New York Times Magazine.

Joumana El Zein Khoury, executive director of World Press Photo, said during the awarding ceremony that photojournalism is not just a profession. “It is one of the most important acts of civic resistance in the world.”

The winners went home with a cash prize, a Fujifilm X Half camera and a physical award. Their work is displayed in the annual traveling exhibition, which visits over 60 cities globally (including major hubs like Rome, Berlin, Mexico City and Jakarta).