APCHRP Condemns Harassment by Task Force Ugnay; Demands Accountability and Protection of Rights for Jeverlyn Seguin and the Community.

The Asia-Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (APCHRP) vehemently condemns the harassment and intimidation perpetrated by Task Force Ugnay, a unit under the 2nd Infantry Division of the AFP, and the Philippine National Police. In a recent incident in Dasmarinas Cavite, Jeverlyn Seguin, Deputry Secretary General of KASAMA-TK was baselessly targeted and subjected to harassment, with her photo being circulated among residents and falsely accusing her of being a member of the New People’s Army. This unjust accusation not only violates her right to organize but also creates an environment of fear, posing a danger to Seguin’s life and the entire community’s safety.

Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that this incident is not an isolated case. Seguin has previously experienced harassment when she was visited by the 59th Infantry Battalion and the PNP Balayan in Barangay Sampagan, Balayan, Batangas province, while she was resting after researching the effects of El Nino on local farming communities. She was also held at gunpoint by the military as she stepped out of the house where they were staying.

The actions of the 2nd Infantry Division of the AFP and the police force not only represent grave injustices but also pose a significant threat to the well-being and lives of innocent individuals. The APCHRP strongly condemns these acts and calls for an immediate end to the harassment and intimidation faced by community organizer Jeverlyn Seguin. We urge the government to uphold the rights of individuals like Seguin, who actively work towards social justice and genuine agrarian reform.

Additionally, we express our solidarity with Jeverlyn Seguin and commend her dedication as the Deputy Secretary General of KASAMA-TK, where she raises awareness, organizes, and mobilizes farmers in Southern Tagalog to fight for their land rights and genuine agrarian reform.

The entire coalition calls upon the government of Marcos Jr. to respect and protect the rights of individuals, cease all forms of harassment, repeal the Anti-Terror Law, and abolish the NTF-ELCAC, which is notorious for red-tagging and vilifying the actions of the people in their pursuit of democratic rights.###