CHR investigates alleged military profiling of actvists in Tondo
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights is conducting its own investigation into the alleged surveillance and profiling by military personnel of community organizers and activists in Tondo, Manila.
Renerose Bihag of Gabriela and Enrique Lozada Jr. — identified as a coordinator for Makabayan but also with the Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Harbour Center — have reported that military personnel visited them on March 13. They said that they had been profiled, with Lozada saying the military personnel had taken photos of his house.
"The Commission recognizes efforts of the task force to ensure peace, order, and security in the said community," CHR said in a statement dated May 4.
"However, ensuring collective good must not breach human rights, such as the rights to privacy and safety, which are guaranteed under the Constitution."
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CHR quoted Police Lt. Col. Rosalino Ibay, Jr. as saying military personnel had been deployed in the barangay to help police maintain peace and order in Tondo and to help out with civic programs. Soldiers started setting up in the barangay on March 9.
Aside from Bihag and Lozada, three other residents of the area complained of being harassed by soldiers on April 27.
The CHR warned authorities against profiling or collecting information on individuals since subjects may face discrimination or their lives may be endangered “as has been the case for many members and officers of organizations that are branded as 'leftists.'"
A recent report by the US State Department noted that "leftist and left-leaning human rights activists" in the Philippines continue to report harassment by local security forces.
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