The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had a dialogue with the representatives of Kilusang Mayo Uno and some of its affiliate organisations; Kadamay; Karapatan; and other members of the workers’ unions of Coca-Cola FEMSA and Monde Nissin, on Tuesday, 16 April 2019, at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City.

Concerns that were raised include allegations of harassment, terrorist and red tagging of organisations and workers’ unions, as well its implications on their right to organise and assemble. These incidents were said to have happened in different parts of the country.

These reports have been received and shall be endorsed to the respective Regional Offices of the CHR that cover these areas under their jurisdiction.

Pending the result of an investigation, we strongly caution the government against terrorist and/or red tagging of groups. Such allegations need to be tried before fair and competent courts. Labelling groups before an objective judgment violates the Constitutional guarantee of presumption of innocence and may have serious implications on the security and movement of individuals and groups involved.

The Commission agrees that crimes should be punished for they violate an array of rights. However, pursuing justice should be done within the bounds of law lest authorities be the first ones to violate our rights.