Members of progressive groups in Cebu seek the assistance of the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR-7) on January 28 after four of their leaders reportedly received death threats through texts. | Photos from AMA Sugbo-KMU
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Leaders of several progressive groups in Cebu on Thursday, January 28, sought the assistance of the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR-7) after they received death threats.
Jaime Paglinawan, Aldo Serat, Greg Perez, and Ronilo Gahator filed a complaint and request to investigate before CHR-7 on Thursday after they got death threats through text messages.
All four are leaders of Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA Sugbo-KMU), Alyansa sa mga Mamumuong Kontraktwal sa Sugbo (ALSA Kontraktwal Cebu), and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON)-Cebu respectively.
In a statement, Paglinawan said they received the texts last January 17, 2021.
A copy of the text message was also sent to members of the media which read: Pahibalo nimu kay usa ka target karun nga cemana greg, ronilo, aldo, jaime kay mga gahi mug ulo’ nana mi komplitong datus ninyo pag ampu mu sa inyung ginuo nga c joma sison.
(We’re here to inform that you that you’re one of our targets this week Greg, Ronilo, Aldo, Jaime because you don’t know how to listen. We have complete data about you. Just pray to your god Joma Sison.)
AMA Sugbo-KMU, in a separate statement, condemned the acts made against their leaders.
“We urge the public to support us in our call for an investigation as there have been many of our fellow activists who have received death threats in the same manner, red-tagged, and were actually killed,” the group said.
They also blamed the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly tolerating attacks and other attempts to suppress labor organizations and movements nationwide.
“We strongly believe these death threats against our labor leaders signify the Duterte regime’s fear of the strengthening labor movement,” said AMA Sugbo-KMU.
“The labor movement in the Philippines also continuously receives attacks from various state agents, including police surveillance of activists and offices, tailing and stalking, and trumped-up charges,” they added. /rcg
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