CHR ‘gravely concerned’ over Davao terrorist-tagging posters

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday expressed its "grave" concern after nine individuals were tagged as terrorist recruiters - their names and photos displayed in posters in Davao City's Barangay Ma-a.

"Such irresponsible and illegal acts send a chilling effect on the exercise of freedom of expression and opinion of these progressive individuals and organizations, and threatens their personal security and safety as well," CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

With the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in place, the CHR reiterated its call for the government to establish protection mechanisms supporting and safeguarding the rights of citizens, especially those who are facing a high risk of threats, violence, and other forms of harassments - mostly individuals working for mass-oriented causes.

"We hope that this newly enforced policy to suppress counterinsurgency in the country would not be leveraged by any institution in justifying such indiscriminate labeling as we have previously expressed our reservations on the said law," de Guia said.

The commission also urged local government authorities to investigate the case, hold perpetrators accountable, and to put an end to the series of threats against people openly expressing their grievance towards the government.

Meanwhile, the CHR's regional office would also conduct its own independent probe.

"We cannot underscore further the need to prevent any form of attacks both from state and non-state forces against those engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Attacks against them are a direct assault to the enjoyment of human rights of every Filipino," de Guia said.

As the tagging alarmed several groups, the Davao City Police said it was not responsible for the posters. — DVM, GMA News