The Commission on Human Rights welcomes the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) to issue a directive that ensures compliance of all its regional offices to the Data Privacy Act following the profiling done by police on members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). The tagging of teachers also calls for condemnation from DepEd to reassure and show support to the ACT members.

An endorsement letter from one School Division Office, which the DepEd already recalled, resulted to alleged police visits and profiling in at least 8 school divisions in various parts of the country. This has raised serious concerns considering that it infringes on fundamental rights to privacy, freedom of association, as well as personal safety.

The dignity and safety of teachers must be given utmost priority given their vital contribution in educating and honing the youth. Any violation against teachers diminishes their dignity and undermines their noble profession. We urge the DepEd to unequivocally speak up in defense of ACT and to provide them with sufficient protection and support especially to those whose personal information have been released.