APCHRP: Stop the persecution of progressive campaigners! Free Pauline Joy Banjawan!
Amidst the distraction of the 2025 election campaign period in the Philippines, the Marcos Jr. administration has instead turned its attention to violating the human rights of campaigners championing genuine representation and the rights of masses in Congress.
Last April 26, campaign volunteer Pauline Joy Banjawan went missing while campaigning in Batangas province. Her family would find her two days later in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the city of Sto. Tomas in the said province. Banjawan was arrested by the 59th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army and was charged with fabricated cases of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Given that Banjawan was merely campaigning for progressive political groups, it makes no sense that she would be carrying such weapons with her.
These charges are part of a deliberate tactic by repressive regimes to weaponize the law to repress progressive groups and non-violent dissenters. Progressive political party-lists and other political candidates are a threat to the status quo and the interests of oligarchs who control the government, which makes campaigners like Banjawan targets of the U.S.-Marcos Jr. regime.
Banjawan is a staunch defender and organizer of urban poor communities, and a campaigner for Bayan Muna—a party-list that represents the marginalized sectors in the Philippines. This group has a solid record standing against corruption, traditional politicians and political dynasties, and the country’s subservience to an imperialist nation, primarily the United States. Such advocacies are exactly why the U.S.-Marcos Jr. regime feels threatened about the potential of Bayan Muna to grow its influence in the country’s political sphere. It is in the interest of the ruling elite to keep Bayan Muna and similar party-lists like it out of Congress and the Senate.
The Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights strongly condemns the abduction of Banjawan, a committed organizer and advocate for the urban poor. This blatant violation of human rights is a clear attempt to silence voices calling for justice, accountability, and genuine representation for the marginalized. We denounce the 59th Infantry Battalion (IB) for this latest action, which forms part of its grim record of human rights violations in the Southern Tagalog region. This is the same military unit responsible for the killing of 9-year old Kylene Casao in Batangas province, as well as the death of Maximo Dingo – a farmer with a mental disability from the same province also.
Additionally, we also condemn the Marcos Jr. administration for perpetuating a climate of fear and repression to protect its own selfish interests. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of the people, the regime has chosen to weaponize state forces and the law itself, against activists, organizers, and ordinary citizens who advocate for social justice. The Marcos Jr. administration must ensure that the 2025 elections are fair, transparent, and free from any form of intimidation or manipulation.
Lastly, we call for Banjawan’s immediate release and demand that the Philippine government end its repression of activists and community organizers who work fearlessly for the welfare of the people.
#FreePaulineJoy
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners
#StopTheAttacks
