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Philippines: Hands off labour rights defenders
In partnership with Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement - KMU), Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD), and the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR). |
We appeal for international solidarity in bringing to light the relentless attacks against Labour Rights Defenders in the Philippines and other countries in Asia and the Pacific. On 10 October 2022, two labour activists, Kara Taggaoa and Larry Valbuena were arrested, based on trumped-up charges of direct assault, without any arrest warrant at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The two have been released after posting bail. Kara and Larry are only two among the hundreds of labour rights defenders, workers, and trade unionists who have been subjected to various forms of threats and harassment for fighting for labour and human rights. The attacks against activists have been relentless since former President Rodrigo Duterte declared war against activism, perpetuating the culture of impunity and promoting vilification of activists through 'red-tagging'. These attacks are bound to continue, if not worsen under the watch of the new president Ferdinand Marcos, the son of the dictator and human rights violator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.