Various leaders and members of progressive groups were arrested in Negros Occidental and Metro Manila in a series of raids by police and the army on 31 October 2019. The raids were undertaken pursuant to a Search Warrant issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos – Villavert of the Branch 89 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. Among the offices and houses that were raided include the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), GABRIELA, Bayan Muna, Karapatan, Paghimutad, and Kadamay. These groups are also commonly identified as “leftist” or tagged as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines — New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) by the security sector. The raids resulted to the arrest of at least 57 activists.

The Commission on Human Rights recognizes the government’s interest to uphold national security. However, given the series of complaints of harassment by individuals and organizations that are vocal critics of the administration, we hope that the simultaneous raids are not intended to silence or curtail legitimate dissent and purport it as attempts to destabilize the government. Rule of law should be observed and human rights ought to be non-negotiable in the administration of justice.

In the same vein that the government aggressively upholds national security, we hope that equal efforts and vigor are exerted to address and investigate complaints alleging harassments, threats, illegal arrests, and killings of progressive individuals and groups. Claims of planting of evidence also warrant equal investigation.

The government has the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfil the human and Constitutional right to freedom of association, assembly, expression. Amidst the climate of impunity that compromise the liberty and security of progressive groups, check and balance must be fully demonstrated to ensure that rights are protected while ensuring national security. This also ensures public confidence and eliminates any shroud of doubts on institutions that are expected to protect the basic rights of all.

Activism is an important facet of a vibrant democracy. Suppression of dissent should not become a norm and it should not be seen as a legitimate method to maintain security and stability. On the part of the CHR, a Quick Response Team was immediately dispatched through the CHR – Region VI to investigate and closely monitor the cases. This development shall also be included in the CHR’s national inquiry on the situation of human rights defenders. ###