ILO urges Philippine gov't to probe attacks vs. labor unionists; DOLE responds

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Sunday assured the  International Labour Organization (ILO) that it is addressing the reported attacks against trade unionists in the Philippines.

In its 2022 report on the application of international labour standards released on February 9, the ILO called on the Philippine government to conduct prompt and effective investigations into alleged killings of labor unionists.

The ILO noted the “extreme seriousness of the allegations and their repeated nature.”

“The Committee urges the Government to take all necessary measures to address the issues of violence and intimidation raised,” the ILO said.

“..In particular, to conduct prompt and effective investigations into all allegations of extrajudicial killings of and assaults against trade unionists, so as to determine the circumstances of the incidents, including any links to trade union activities, determine culpability and punish the perpetrators,” it added.

On the pending cases of  alleged killings of trade union leaders in the country, the ILO said that the government was not providing details as to any progress made.

“The Committee reiterates its previous request and expects the Government to be in a position to report substantial progress in this regard,” it said.

In a statement, the DOLE assured the ILO that cases had been filed and investigations are progressing on reported trade union rights violations.

According to the DOLE, there are functional administrative mechanisms and legal remedies that monitor and address cases of violations of labor and trade union rights.

“They help ensure the full and swift investigation and resolution of the alleged acts of killings, harassment, and abduction of trade union leaders and members through the active involvement of workers’ and employers’ representatives in case monitoring,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

At least 60 cases of extrajudicial killing and attempted murder under the present administration are being investigated. Of this number, 20 are pending with the courts, and the rest are progressing under regular criminal investigation, Bello said. —KG, GMA News