The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) conveys serious alarm over alleged reports of surveillance and profiling of members of activist group Anakbayan. On 18 January 2023, CHR picked up news about a breach incident in their Manila office.
The youth-led organisation released a CCTV video reportedly taken during the day of the said incident showing a man looking into the window of their office for about a minute and a half. According to Anakbayan’s post, they eventually found their office disorganised with their office door showing signs of forced entry. By noon and evening of the next day, 16 January 2023, Anakbayan members reports the unusual presence of multiple police mobiles near their national office.
Members also detail separate incidents of unidentified men allegedly “tailing them and taking their pictures” after protests around Metro Manila. Student members from various schools and universities similarly report continued experience of red-tagging by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
These allegations of intrusion into a person’s right to privacy by means of surveillance must not be taken lightly. CHR has taken cognizance of this case for investigation.
Simultaneous to the independent motu proprio investigation of the CHR through our National Capital Region office, we urge the government, particularly local law enforcement, to investigate these cases without fail. We also look forward to the cooperation of concerned law enforcement agencies and Anakbayan in the course of our independent probe.
Profiling or data collection encroaches upon one’s right to privacy of citizens under the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution and is an abuse of power bereft of legal basis. We reiterate our fervent calls to ensure the protection and welfare of all citizens, regardless of socio-political affiliations and ideological beliefs.
The Commission stresses that recent events—such as the alleged abduction of labor advocates Dyan Gumanao and Armand Dayoha—creates a culture of fear and normalised violence in our society. Further, attempts to silence dissenters gravely affront our nation’s ideals of freedom and democracy as it violates the people’s freedom of speech, expression, association, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
CHR reminds all that as long as dissenters’ actions do not run contrary to our Constitution and other laws, their collective rights must be respected and upheld. As the people’s Commission, CHR continues to monitor cases of attacks and violence against all those who exercise their right to expressions, association, and assembly. Part of a vibrant and functional democracy is the free exchange of ideas and avenues to demand redress for social grievances. We underscore that activism does not equate to terrorism, but rather allows for enriching dialogue towards nation-building and long-lasting peace. ###