The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the continued incidents of enforced disappearances, harassment, and unwarranted surveillance of civil society members by state forces in the Philippines. Following the recent Public Inquiry on Red-Tagging conducted by CHR, we are deeply concerned by allegations that state agents have intensified targeting of civil society organizations, posing grave risks to the democratic foundation and the rule of law in our country.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and independent people’s organizations play a crucial role in a functioning democracy. They are instrumental in voicing the concerns of marginalized groups, advocating for human rights, and supporting social and economic development in the Philippines. However, actions that undermine these organizations, such as enforced disappearances, fabricated charges, and asset freezes on baseless claims, violate not only fundamental rights but also the constitutional mandate to uphold civic space as a pillar of democracy.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly mandates under Section 15 of Article XIII that the State shall respect the role of independent people’s organizations in enabling peaceful, democratic participation. When agents of the state overreach by targeting or intimidating CSOs, they betray this commitment and undermine public trust in government institutions.
We remind all branches of government and law enforcement agencies of their duty to protect, not restrict, the rights of all individuals to peacefully assemble and associate. Any measures taken must adhere to the principles of rule of law and human rights, ensuring that civil society members can operate without fear of surveillance, harassment, or retaliation.
To foster a truly inclusive and democratic society, it is essential that all state actors support, rather than hinder, initiatives from civil society. Only by safeguarding civic spaces can we empower communities, promote human dignity, and advance social justice. The government must create an environment that enables civic actors to fulfill their mission of advocating for the vulnerable and addressing inequalities across all sectors.
As the country’s national human rights institution, the CHR reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of every Filipino. We call on the government to halt all forms of intimidation against civil society members and to honor the role of CSOs in advancing human rights, alleviating poverty, and ensuring that every Filipino can participate in shaping a just and humane society. Together, we must uphold a culture of respect, inclusivity, and accountability—essentials for a democratic and thriving nation.
