Human rights group urges surfacing of missing labor organizer in Bukidnon

A human rights’ group on Thursday called for the surfacing of a veteran labor organizer who was allegedly abducted by the military in the municipality of Quezon in Bukidnon.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said William Lariosa, 63, was reportedly taken by soldiers of the 48th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army in Barangay Butong on April 10 following an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Residents confirmed the information to the family of Lariosa but the military denied having custody of the labor organizer.

“Why is the government running after human rights defenders and workers protecting their interests?” said the CTUHR.

“We demand that the perpetrators of Lariosa’s abduction in the military be held accountable. The government should address the root causes of the armed insurgency in the country,” the organization added.

The CTUHR also called for a stop to the enforced disappearances and urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “issue strong and unequivocal statements and make resolute actions against this grave violation of human rights”.

“We would like to remind the government that union organizing is not a crime and workers are the backbone of any economic recovery. Organizing is a basic human right and element of a functioning democracy,” the group said.

“Enforced disappearance is the gravest human rights violation as it negatively impacts the individual and his/her family and colleagues,” it added.