ANOTHER ATTACK | Groups call for investigation into killing of labor union leader in Laguna

March 29, 2021 , 03:06 PM

(March 29, 2021) – Advocacy groups on Monday demanded an independent inquiry into the brutal killing of a labor union leader in Laguna in what could be a politically motivated attack exactly three weeks after the “Bloody Sunday” raids in Calabarzon.

NAGKAISA urged authorities to hold accountable those behind the death of Dandy Miguel, vice chairperson of Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan–Kilusang Mayo Uno (PAMANTIK-KMU), who was reportedly shot eight times by unknown assailants in Brgy. Canlubang in Calamba on Sunday night.

“Killing trade unionists is abhorrible and has no place in a civilized society,” said NAGKAISA in a statement. “Worse, this barbarity is now happening on a regular basis. Enough! These killings must be stopped immediately.”

Over 50 trade union leaders and organizers have been gunned down under the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to NAGKAISA, showing the grim condition labor groups have to deal with in recent years.

KMU said Miguel’s killing was connected to his line of work as a labor union leader as he was red-tagged for taking part in fighting for people’s rights and welfare. He was also among the individuals who trooped to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to file a complaint in connection with the “Bloody Sunday” operations that killed nine activists last March 7.

Advocacy groups said Duterte should be accountable for the killings that happened under his term and the culture of impunity that thrives with it. Duterte, the country’s firebrand leader, has repeatedly encouraged law enforcers to finish off organizations which he baselessly linked to communist rebels.

“Kailanman ay hindi talaga interes at kapakanan ng mamamayan ang nasa tuktok ng prayoridad ng rehimeng ito,” said Charm Maranan of Defend Southern Tagalog. “Mas uunahin pa nitong patahimikin ang mga manggagawa na humihingi lamang ng sahod at karapatan bago pa nito tutugon sa pangangailangan nito. Dalawang bagay lamang ang alam ni Duterte: Ang pumatay at ang sumunod sa mga amo niya.”

Progressive organizations said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CHR should do everything to mete out justice for Miguel’s death. NAGKAISA particularly urged the DOJ to mobilize its committee constituted to investigate extrajudicial killings to thoroughly probe the crime.

In 2012, the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations to the Rights to Life, Liberty, and Security of Persons was created, but advocacy groups have pointed out that the government rarely did anything to provide justice for the victims.

DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra assured that Miguel’s case will be assessed if it can be investigated through the said panel, vowing to provide results within the week.

“Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan, at sa mga lokal na opisyales ng Brgy. Canlubang, Calamba, na huwag mag-atubili sa paglunsad ng imbestigasyon,” said Maranan. “Kailangan pa rin manaig ang batas. Mangyayari lamang ‘yon kung magagampanan ng pamahalaan ang tungkulin nila sa mamamayan.”

(Beatrice Puente/PM)

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