Official Statement of Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines on Immediate Release of Peasant Organizer Fhobie Matias

The Asia Pacific Coalition on Human Rights in the Philippines (APCHRP) strongly condemns the kidnapping of KASAMA-TK peasant organizer Fhobie Matias, who was abducted last September 28 in Calamba, Laguna, while conducting consultation work with local farmers. This act is not only a blatant violation of fundamental human rights but also a direct attack on individuals peacefully advocating for the rights and welfare of society’s marginalized sectors.

In a statement by BGen. Randolph Cabangbang of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, he admitted to holding Fhobie in custody, falsely claiming that she had “voluntarily surrendered” to them amidst declining health conditions. This narrative however puts the military’s intentions into question, given they took Fhobie in a camp rather than in a healthcare facility where her medical needs can be addressed. Such lies by state forces are nothing new, as time and again, they resort to heinous acts like abduction, extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, and fake surrenders to harass civilians and rights advocates.

It is clear that Fhobie was abducted, and the military is now using her family to cover up their crimes. This is yet another example of the recurring harassment, intimidation, and psychological warfare against legitimate defenders of human rights in Southern Tagalog and other parts of the country.

Cabangbang and his 203rd Infantry Brigade have also been responsible for the suffering of the people of Mindoro over the past two years due to bombings and strafing, indiscriminately targeting farmers and the indigenous Mangyan community. These violent operations have affected as many as 30,000 civilians since 2022. Cabangbang was a willing puppet of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faced numerous allegations of war crimes against the people. In 2021, he served as the Commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and led counterinsurgency programs which trampled on the rights of the citizens.

The abduction of human rights defenders like Matias is part of a troubling pattern of persecution and intimidation faced by peasant organizers, activists, and advocates in the Philippines. These acts are designed to silence the voices of those who courageously stand with peasant communities, especially those fighting against landlessness, poverty, and exploitation. The APCHRP holds the Philippine government accountable for not ensuring the protection of all human rights defenders, particularly those involved in peasant and agricultural reform movements.

To date, fifteen human rights defenders have fallen victim to enforced disappearances under the Marcos regime. The international community must not remain silent while state-sponsored violence and abductions are used as tools of oppression. We call for the immediate and safe release of Matias and urge decisive action to ensure the safety of peasant organizers throughout the Philippines.

The Asia Pacific Coalition on Human Rights in the Philippines supports the peasants of Laguna and other human rights activists who still endure assault, intimidation, and harassment because of their work. We also support KASAMA-TK and other grassroots organizations in demanding responsibility, justice, and an end to the impunity culture that encourages these acts. ###

Surface Fhobie Matias

Stop the attacks on Peasant Rights Defenders