Group condemns arrest of labor organizer

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights advocate group Karapatan has condemned the arrest of labor union organizer Benjamin Cordero in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

Cordero was apprehended by operatives of the Quezon City Police District based on a warrant for frustrated homicide issued by the San Mateo, Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 77.

“We believe that Cordero’s case stemmed from another trumped-up charge maliciously filed in court by state agents to deter him from conducting his activities as a trade union activist,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement.

“it should be noted that the charges against him were filed in San Mateo, Rizal, when he is obviously spending a large part of his work in Quezon City. Similar charges lodged against activists were filed elsewhere, far away from their work or residence,” she added.

Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo defended the arresting police officers, saying “they merely implemented an order from the court.”

Estomo asked members of the human rights group to file a complaint against the police if they think that the arrest was illegal.

Karapatan identified Cordero as the chairman of the Labor Sector of the Quezon City Development Council and a member of Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Quezon City.

The group said Cordero is also the campaign officer of the Urban Poor Coordinating Council National Capital Region.

Cordero was detained at the Batasan police station 6. The court set P72,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Karapatan said Cordero did not receive a copy of the subpoena and complaint affidavit.

“He was unable to participate in the preliminary investigation because he was not informed of any case filed against him. But authorities were quick to serve the arrest warrant one day after it was issued,” the group said.

On Oct. 10, police arrested Kilusang Mayo Uno international officer Kara Lenina Taggaoa and Piston president Larry Valbuena on charges of direct assault. Both are out on bail. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva