Filipino photojournalists Aaron Favila, Jes Aznar win 2026 World Press Photo contest’s Asia-Pacific division

The overall winner and two finalists from the six divisions will be announced on April 23

Filipino photojournalists Aaron Favila and Jes Aznar (Jes Z. Mann) won the prestigious World Press Photo contest’s Asia-Pacific and Oceania division.

Favila (The Associated Press) and Aznar (The New York Times) won the “Stories” category for their “Wedding in the Flood” and “Scam Hub Under Siege,” respectively.

Favila’s photo, taken on July 22, 2025, shows bride Jamaica Aguilar entering the flooded Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name “Wipha”).

A jury commented, “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.”

Aznar’s photo, taken on December 5, 2025, shows smoke billowing inside the Shunda Park complex in Min Let Pan, Myanmar, as workers who refuse to leave burn office furniture and documents after a massive cyber-scamming operation got exposed.

A jury commented, “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.”

Other winners in the division include Edwina Pickles (The Sydney Morning Herald), Rob G. Green (National Geographic Society, Henry Luce Foundation), Tyrone Siu (Reuters), and Matthew Abbott (Oculi, for The New York Times) in “Singles,” as well as Wu Fang (independent) in “Long-Term Projects.”

The World Press Photo contest also covers Africa, Europe, North and Central America, South America, and West, Central, and South Asia. This year’s winners were selected from 57,376 photographs submitted by 3,747 photographers across 141 countries.

From the regional winners, judges will handpick the 2026 World Press Photo of the Year winner and two finalists—to be announced on April 23 at 11AM CEST (5PM Philippine time).

 

 

PH pride at the 2026 World Press Photo! Aaron Favila and Jes Aznar win regional titles for stories on climate resilience and scam hubs. Global winners announced April 23.

 

 

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