The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) is doing its independent probe on the recent cases of alleged surveillance and profiling by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force – NCR in Barangay 105 in Tondo, Manila.
On 13 March 2023, Renerose Bihag, Secretary General of Gabriela, filed a complaint concerning the alleged profiling of her identity by the elements of AFP Joint Task Force – NCR in a barangay in Tondo, Manila. On the same day, Enrique Lozada Jr, Makabayan Bloc Coordinator, also a resident of the same barangay in Tondo, claimed that he is being profiled by soldiers under the aforementioned task force and even took photographs of his house. Three residents in the same area also complained of harassment by military officers on 27 April 2023.
According to PLT COL Rosalino Ibay, Jr., Station Commander of Manila Police District – Station 1, the deployment of the military in his area of jurisdiction serves to augment the police in maintaining peace and order in Tondo. The officials of Barangay 105 said that the soldiers coordinated with them in setting up their barracks, which was put up on 9 March 2023. Aside from joining the visibility patrol of the Barangay Security Development Office and police during night time, the soldiers have also conducted feeding programme and civic action in the community according to barangay authorities.
The Commission recognises the efforts of the task force to ensure peace, order, and security in the said community. However, ensuring collective good must not breach human rights, such as the rights to privacy and safety, which are guaranteed under the Constitution. Genuine work towards peace and security should enhance the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of socio-political affiliation, ideological belief, sector, among others.
Pending the results of CHR’s independent probe, we continue to caution against the dangers of profiling that classifies persons into certain categories and labels, which undermines their rights. Based on our findings in the CHR Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders[1], profiling or data collection can result to discrimination and may even endanger the safety, life, and liberty of profiled individuals as has been the case for many members and officers of organisations that are branded as “leftists.”
CHR continues to monitor and investigate reports of harassment, surveillance, or attacks against groups and individuals who are vocal critics of the government. The Constitutional right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression must be protected and respected by the government as part of its human rights obligations. Diverse and dissenting voices are important to enable vibrant and open dialogues on pressing issues, which are essential to continuous national development and durable peace. ###
[1] CHR Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders: https://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CHRP-2020-Report-on-the-Situation-of-Human-Rights-Defenders.pdf?fbclid=IwAR21gKP_XSIM8vkq2n9E4b8KcKtphF6kShS4gPL_FMwtqq-4dP9C5wNrrDQ