[Action Alert] Two members of the labor organization, BMP, arrested by the PNP after staging a Labor Day protest action allegedly for violation of the ECQ rules
Action Alert
May 1, 2020
(Philippines) Two members of the labor organization, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) after staging a Labor Day protest action allegedly for violation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) rule against social gathering and Republic Act 11332 or the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases in Rodriguez, Rizal
Dear Friends,
The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal for the PNP not to file charges against members of BMP for taking part in the observance of the International Labor Day.
ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT
Reynaldo Dulay and Clarito Rastica, both BMP members, were arrested by members of the PNP after taking part in a protest action in relation to the international Labor Day celebration in their area in San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal.
Based on the report, Dulay and Rastica, along with other members of the organization, conducted a small protest activity to demand mass testing, adequate food and social amelioration, and paid quarantine leave and hazard pay for workers in San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. A video of the event posted in social media showed the protesters following the requirement of social distancing and wearing of face masks. However, the police arrived and allegedly started arresting the protesters. Dulay and Rastica were the two persons accosted for alleged violation of the prohibition of social gathering during the ECQ.
Based on the information from some BMP members, Dulay and Rastica were brought to the Ynares Memorial Hospital for check-up, as part of the Standard Operating Procedure of the police upon a person’s arrest.
As of this writing, TFDP is trying to get in touch with Dulay and Rastica to gather more information.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution states in Article 3, Section 4 that “no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write a letter to the following authorities for them to reconsider the filing of charges against Dulay and Rastica for their actions are covered by the rights of persons to peaceably assemble. The organization maintains that they followed protocols of social distancing and wearing of face masks to ensure the safety of its members and the public as well.
Please ask the authorities to ensure in all circumstances, especially in the enforcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine during the COVID 19 Pandemic, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, international human rights standards and international instruments signed and ratified by the Philippines.
Please send your letters to:
1. His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President, Republic of the Philippines
New Executive Building, Malacanang Palace Compound
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila
1005 Philippines
Tel: +632 87368645; +632 87368603; +632-87368606; +632-87368629; +632-87368621
Telefax: +632 87368621
E-mail: pcc@malacanang.gov.ph
2. Hon. Menardo Guevarra
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines
Tel: +632 85218348
Telefax: +632 85262618
Trunk line: +632 85238481 loc 217
Email: osecmig@gmail.com, communications@doj.gov.ph
3. Hon. Eduardo Aňo
Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel: +632 89250330; +632 89250331
Fax: +632 89250332
Trunk line: +632 88763454 loc 1001
Email: emano@dilg.gov.ph
4. Hon. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +632 89285655; +632 89266188
Telefax: +632 89290102
Email: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com
5. PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa
Philippine National Police
PNP National Headquarters
Camp General Crame, EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1100
Tel: +632 87230401; +632 87220650 local 3453/3473
6. Mayor Dennis Hernandez
Office of the Mayor
Rodriguez Municipal Hall
J.P. Rizal St., Rodriguez, Rizal
bayanngrodriguez@yahoo.com
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