MANILA - Filipino freelance photojournalist Eloisa Lopez was named as this year's Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award winner for her coverage of the Duterte administration's drug war, the International Women's Media Foundation announced.

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A post shared by Eloisa Lopez (@eloisalopez) on Apr 30, 2019 at 4:49pm PDT

“This year the IWMF is elated to recognize three powerful freelance women photojournalists whose commonalities include bringing attention to local stories,” said the IWMF Executive Director Elisa Lees Muñoz.

Lopez specializes in stories on human rights, women and religion.

The Manila-based photojournalist worked as photo correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer after graduating from the De La Salle University.

Since 2016, Lopez has been documenting the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign that saw almost nightly killings of alleged drug suspects. She continued covering the same beat for online news website Rappler in 2017.

The following year, Lopez joined Reuters as a contributing photographer covering news around the Philippines.

Jurors praised Lopez for her work and dedication.

According to Robert Nickelsberg, Lopez “delivered a unique vision of compassion for the families left behind amidst the drug war, which stems from her ability to turn the camera in the right direction.”

Juror Eman Mohammed added: “She is in the cross-hairs of the police every night, and as a freelancer pursuing this narrative, she truly embodies the epitome of courage.”

Another juror, Tara Pixley, commented: “Telling a local story is so important – there is a great deal of worth in understanding, on a deeper level, what’s happening in your own society and political sphere.”

Juror Jacqueline Larma, meanwhile, said: “The tremendous promise of this young photographer is palatable, and Anja nurtured this type of potential among many up-and-coming journalists.”

It's difficult to find the words to describe how I feel for this. Thank you IWMF for recognizing my work on the drug war for this year’s Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. Thank you for recognizing a local doing local’s work. https://t.co/q5hzy6xyVf

— Eloisa Lopez (@eloisaalopez) April 30, 2019

Meanwhile, Lopez expressed her gratitude for the award, which she shares with her colleagues and families who continue fighting impunity.

"It’s hard to find the words to express what a deep honor this award is for me. I share it with my fellow journalists and photographers who continue to document this story. Courage is being able to speak out when many refuse, stepping outside of what’s normal despite the risks and knowing the consequences. This award is for the families in this community, to show them that they are not alone in fighting impunity.”

Lopez will receive $20,000 as prize.

She, along with this year’s honorable mentions--American photojournalist Mary Calvert and Saudi Arabian freelance photojournalist Tasneem Alsultan--will be honored in a ceremony at the residence of German Ambassador Emily Haber in Washington D.C. in June.

The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award honors brave women journalists who document underreported stories in challenging or underserved environments while capturing poignant moments of humanity. The award was created in honor of German Associated Press photojournalist Anja Niedringhaus, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2014.

IWMF was founded in 1990 as a global non-profit organization that offers emergency support, safety training, reporting opportunities and funding avenues offered specifically for female journalists.