Australian photographer Daniel Berehulak wins Pulitzer Prize

11 April 2017
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Daniel Berehulak has won the Pulitzer Prize overnight for Breaking News Photography for his work in the Philippines.

 

In the photo series 'They are Slaughtering us like Animals' for The New York Times, Mr Berehulak captured the homicides from President Duterte's violent anti-drug campaign in the country's capital, Manilla. Over the course of 35 days, he witnessed 57 homicides at 41 crime scenes, many occurring on the streets, in full view of the public.

 

His images depict the violence and brutality inflicted by Duterte's vigilantes in an effort to eradicate drug use and trade in the country. An estimated 7,000 people have been killed so far, with Mr Berehulak warning that there is no end in sight.

 

“This is a story that isn’t going away”, Mr Berehulak said. “So it’s important that the story is recognized and attention is paid to what is happening right now in the Philippines.”

 

The win comes following his 2015 Pulitzer win for his Feature Photography coverage of the Ebola Epidemic in West Africa. But Mr Berehulak insists that “It’s the story that’s more important than any accolades.”

 

“It just reminds us why we do these things.”

 

A native Sydney-sider, Mr Berehulak's images were also awarded this year with the World Press Photo's 1st Prize for General News story. 

 

The photo series is available online here.

The body of Erika Angel Fernandez lies in the street after being gunned down (together with Jericho Camitan) by masked men in the early hours of the morning, in Quezon City.
The body of Erika Angel Fernandez lies in the street after being gunned down (together with Jericho Camitan) by masked men in the early hours of the morning, in Quezon City.
Investigators examine the scene after Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla was killed by unknown gunmen riding motorcycles.
Investigators examine the scene after Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla was killed by unknown gunmen riding motorcycles.
Jimji Bolasa (6) cries before funeral parlor workers remove the body of her father, Jimboy, who was found dead after being abducted by unidentified men.
Jimji Bolasa (6) cries before funeral parlor workers remove the body of her father, Jimboy, who was found dead after being abducted by unidentified men.
Inmates sleep in the stairwell of a crowded jail, Manilla.
Inmates sleep in the stairwell of a crowded jail, Manilla.
Funeral-parlor workers carry away the body of Edwin Mendoza Alon-Alon, who was killed by an unknown gunman on the road in front of a 7-Eleven store in Manila.
Funeral-parlor workers carry away the body of Edwin Mendoza Alon-Alon, who was killed by an unknown gunman on the road in front of a 7-Eleven store in Manila.
Police in Manila collate a report on a sting operation against Ronald Kalau, which left him dead. Police claim Kalau drew a 0.38-caliber handgun when he sensed something was wrong with the alleged purchase of methamphetamine, and the police gunned him down.
Police in Manila collate a report on a sting operation against Ronald Kalau, which left him dead. Police claim Kalau drew a 0.38-caliber handgun when he sensed something was wrong with the alleged purchase of methamphetamine, and the police gunned him down.
Crime-scene investigators gather evidence after Frederick Mafe and Arjay Lumbago were gunned down by unidentified motorcyclists in Manila.
Crime-scene investigators gather evidence after Frederick Mafe and Arjay Lumbago were gunned down by unidentified motorcyclists in Manila.

 

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