• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Supreme Court issued writs of amparo and habeas data in favor of a human rights lawyer and three community development workers in Negros Occidental, granting them legal relief and issuing a temporary protection order against law enforcement officials over alleged red-tagging and harassment.
The protection order covers Atty. Rey Gorgonio, chairperson of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) Negros chapter, alongside co-petitioners Joselito Macapobre, Analyn Mirano, and Ma. Anabelle Ilustrisimo, all of the Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc. (PDG).
The SC, in a decision dated Aug. 5, barred Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, and other respondent officers from coming within one kilometer of the petitioners and their immediate families.
The petitioners reported being subjected to severe surveillance, intimidation, and false labeling by state forces as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army due to their legal advocacy and agrarian reform work.
The Supreme Court directed respondent military officers to submit a verified return detailing their lawful defenses and comments on the petition within 10 days of receipt.
The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal, which was instructed to hold a summary hearing and issue a ruling within 10 days of submission.
In a statement, NUPL-Negros welcomed the SC en banc’s decision amid reported state-sponsored threats and harassment against legal and development workers.
“This ruling should not be mistaken as the end of the struggle. It is a reminder that courts have a constitutional duty to act when rights are imperiled,” the group said.
A text message sent to Macapobre in January warned that Gorgonio’s bravery would lead to his silence, and urged others to distance themselves. | TMD
