DOLE slammed by group for ‘downplaying’ killing of labor leader

June 9, 2024 , 09:10 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(June 9, 2024) – A labor group on Sunday slammed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for allegedly downplaying the killing of a union organizer in Bacolod last year.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) described the DOLE as “outrageous” for attempting to evade accountability in the murder case of Alex Dolorosa, a paralegal officer for the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN). BPO stands for business process outsourcing.

“The Philippine government delegation’s statements desire to downplay the killings and other fascist attacks by saying these are not labor-related,” said KMU chairperson Elmer Labog in a media release.

The statement came after DOLE undersecretary Ernesto Bitonio Jr. claimed that Dolorosa’s killing wasn’t motivated by his union activities.

“Such a claim is a spit on the grave of the victims, adding insult to injury of their colleagues and families. There is overwhelming evidence of a trade union and human rights crisis,” added Labog.

Dolorosa, a call center worker, was found lifeless with multiple stab wounds in Brgy. Alijis in April 2023. The Human Rights Watch said BIEN has been red-tagged by the government.

Bitonio also questioned Dolorosa’s identity despite BIEN maintaining during the International Labor Conference (ILC) in Switzerland last Friday that he serves as the group’s organizer.

“The nation and the world are on watch. Our case has been supported by ILC delegates—from trade unions, governments, and employers. Such validation and support make DOLE’s statements even more ridiculous,” said Labog.

KMU furthered that the government not only fails to abide by international recommendations but also poses as “rabid defenders” of atrocities, such as red-tagging, threats, harassment and intimidation, and arrests and abductions.

ALSO READ: Workers’ delegation slams government for lack of labor reforms, asks DOLE chief to resign

Last year, Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 23 to create an inter-agency committee responsible for reinforcing and protecting the freedom and right to organize by workers.

It also aimed to probe the killings of trade unionists during the heavy-handed rule of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

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