Philippines’ Unionist Slaughter: A Grim Reality Ignored

Killings of Unionists Go Unchecked in the Philippines: Death of Labor Organizer in Rizal Province Latest in String of Abuses

Introduction

The Philippines has once again witnessed the tragic killing of a labor leader, highlighting an alarming pattern of violence and harassment against unionists in the country. On September 29, 2023, Jude Thaddeus Fernandez, a prominent labor organizer, was shot and killed by Philippine police in his home in the town of Binangonan, Rizal province. The police claim that Fernandez “fought back” while they were serving him with a search warrant, but no further explanation has been provided regarding the reason for the search or Fernandez’s resistance.

The killing of Fernandez is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of abuse against labor leaders and activists in the Philippines. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has documented numerous cases of violence and killings targeting workers and union leaders in the country. The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), the union to which Fernandez belonged, reports that 72 workers and unionists have been killed in the Philippines since 2016, with four of those deaths occurring after the ILO’s investigation earlier this year.

Systemic Harassment of Unionists

The targeting of unionists in the Philippines is deeply rooted in systemic issues and state-sponsored practices. One of the tactics used to harass and intimidate activists is “red-tagging,” where labor leaders and workers are falsely accused of being members of the communist New People’s Army. This practice is often employed by the police, military, and local government officials, with the aim of discouraging workers from joining unions and making unions less likely to form associations.

Research conducted by Human Rights Watch shows that companies are not the primary perpetrators of red-tagging, but rather it is the state actors who carry out these acts of intimidation. Union officials have reported an increase in harassment during collective bargaining negotiations, further compounding the challenges faced by labor leaders in advocating for workers’ rights.

Lack of Accountability and Government Response

The Philippines‘ authorities have shown a lack of commitment to addressing the escalating violence against unionists and labor leaders. Investigations into these killings have been limited, and prosecutions leading to convictions are even rarer. In one particularly gruesome incident in 2019, nine activists, unionists, and their colleagues were killed by the police in a raid in Cavite province. The victims were labeled as New People’s Army members who had allegedly “fought back.”

Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signing an executive order in April to protect labor rights and expedite investigations and resolutions of cases, the reality on the ground suggests a failure to uphold these commitments. The creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict by President Duterte in 2018 has only amplified the harassment and red-tagging of unions and workers. The ongoing counterinsurgency campaign against the communist insurgency has further exacerbated the situation.

International Pressure and Call for Accountability

It is crucial for the international community, particularly trade partners of the Philippines, to raise their concerns over Fernandez’s killing and the broader pattern of violence and harassment against workers and unionists. The European Union, which has trade benefits conditioned on human and labor rights, should use its leverage to demand credible investigations into these killings and ensure justice for the victims. Likewise, countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, which have bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines, should add their voices to the call for accountability.

The Marcos administration must recognize the urgent need to address these human rights abuses and take concrete steps towards ending the violence against labor leaders. As the Philippines‘ trade partners, foreign governments have the responsibility to send a clear message that these abuses cannot continue without consequences. It is time for the culture of impunity surrounding the killings and harassment of unionists to be dismantled.

Conclusion

The killing of Jude Thaddeus Fernandez is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and harassment faced by labor leaders in the Philippines. The authorities must conduct a thorough and independent investigation into his death and hold those responsible accountable. The practice of red-tagging must be denounced and stopped, as it serves to intimidate and discourage workers from exercising their right to join unions.

The international community has an important role to play in ensuring that the Philippines addresses these human rights violations. Trade partners, including the European Union and other countries with bilateral agreements, must exert pressure on the Philippines to uphold its commitments to protecting union activists and leaders. Only through concerted efforts and international cooperation can we hope to put an end to the impunity that allows such killings to continue. The value of human life and the importance of protecting workers’ rights should never be compromised or overlooked in any society.

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