The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating the Duterte drug war killings, but another international organization has shed light on additional cases of human rights violations in the Philippines. During an inspection of the Philippine government’s compliance with international labor conventions, the International Labor Organization (ILO) expressed deep concern about reports of trade unionists being killed, Red-tagged, and harassed, as well as serious violations of freedom of association.
The ILO report, presented on June 15 at the 111th International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted the alleged extrajudicial killings of trade unionists, cases of arrest and detention after labor protests, and the targeting of union leaders through raids and harassment. It also documented instances of Red-tagging, intimidation, and forced disaffiliation campaigns preventing workers from joining unions.
The ILO has called on the Philippine government to conduct prompt and effective investigations into these killings and attacks, and to provide a time-bound plan of action to address the violations by September 1. The organization expressed disappointment with the government’s response, which mentioned ongoing criminal investigations but provided no details on progress.
The All Philippine Trade Union stated that the ILO report is a setback to job generation and the economy, as it may affect the country’s efforts to renew trade preferences with the United States and Europe. In a similar vein, the Digital News Report 2023 by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism highlighted the continued killings and Red-tagging cases in the Philippines. The report emphasized that despite the change in leadership in mid-2022, the country’s media landscape remains grim, with numerous attacks on journalists and violations of press freedom reported.
Both the ILO and Reuters’ reports create a negative image of the Philippines, portraying it as a country where human rights violations and extrajudicial killings occur without significant action from the authorities. The culture of impunity, fostered during Duterte’s term, appears to persist under the current administration. It is crucial for President Marcos to demonstrate stronger resolve and leadership by unequivocally condemning extrajudicial killings, Red-tagging, and attacks on journalists, union leaders, and others exercising their fundamental rights. The upcoming State of the Nation Address provides an opportunity for Marcos to address these concerns and outline a clear human rights policy.
It is essential for the nation and the international community to hear a definitive stance on human rights from President Marcos. Failure to address these issues will perpetuate the image of a lawless country and hinder the Philippines’ reputation in the global arena.
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