Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11)— The International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged the Philippine government to conduct speedy and thorough investigations into the reported killings and assaults against trade unionists in the country.
In its report on international labor standards, the United Nations agency expressed “deep concern” over the allegations — which include cases of arrests, red-tagging, and intimidation against parties in the sector.
“[G]iven the extreme seriousness of the allegations and their repeated nature, the committee urges the [Philippine] government to take all necessary measures to address the issues of violence and intimidation and, in particular, to conduct prompt and effective investigations into all allegations of extrajudicial killings of and assaults against trade unionists,” the ILO said.
It also called on the government to punish perpetrators and give detailed accounts on the matter.
Among the instances specifically cited by ILO were: the killings of ten trade unionists; arrests after police raids in union offices and unionists’ homes; and incidents of red-tagging and harassment against leaders and members of labor organizations.
“Observing with regret that the government simply reiterates that the cases are being handled through the regular course of criminal investigation and prosecution, without providing details as to any progress made, the committee reiterates its previous request and expects the government to be in a position to report substantial progress in this regard,” the report further noted.
Philippine authorities have yet to issue a response to ILO’s report, but Malacañang has repeatedly denied claims of extrajudicial killings in the country.
The ILO also noted that the government earlier agreed to take part in a “high-level mission” with the agency to address the issues raised.
The mission has not yet taken place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a virtual exchange among the concerned camps — including representatives of labor groups — took place in September last year.
The ILO, however, said the discussion “failed to bring forward evidence of tangible progress” with regards to the concerns raised and that the government should adopt a time-bound plan of action.
