Activists cry foul over military ‘surveillance’

 From Panay News (Jun 24, 2022): Activists cry foul over military ‘surveillance’ (By Glenda Tayona)

ILOILO – What is the military up to?

According to Bagong Alyasang Makabayan (BAYAN) Aklan chairperson George Calaor and spokesperson Kim-Sin Tugna, they have been placed under surveillance by the Philippine Army in Kalibo, Aklan.

Around 30 elements of the 301st Infantry Brigade were allegedly recently seen near their houses and asking neighbors about their whereabouts.

They also rented boardinghouses in Purok 3, C. Laserna Street, Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan to conduct “special operations”, Calaor and Tugna added.

In a statement, BAYAN-Aklan called on Aklanons to extend help to prevent possible atrocities against the two activist leaders.

“I am proud to be an activist. Despite my being a polio victim, my patriotism and love for freedom and democracy have inspired and strengthened me to overcome my physical limitations to be of service to the Filipino people and joining them in their quest for genuine freedom and democracy,” said Calaor.

On June 20, according to Calaor, elements of the 301st Brigade paid a courtesy call at the office of Punong Barangay Neil Candelario of Poblacion, Kalibo and informed the latter of their “operation.”

According to Calaor, when Candelario inquired about the nature and details of this “operation,” they just said that their “operation” is coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Kim-Sin and I are appealing to our fellow Aklanons, Filipinos, and citizens of the world to help and support us against these evil doings of the state that put our liberty, security, and lives in imminent danger. We call for the immediate intervention of the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an impartial investigation and to initiate due and timely actions on this very pressing concern,” said Calaor.

For its part, BAYAN- Panay condemned what it called as harassment by state agents of its provincial leaders.

According to Bryan Bosque, deputy spokesperson of BAYAN-Panay,

“Tugna and Calaor have been subjects of numerous state-sponsored harassments ever since like most of us activists…These forms of harassment are not new to us but this is something that should be taken seriously as our personal security are at stake,” he added.

He recalled special military operations last December 30, 2020, in Tapaz and Calinog which resulted in the killing of nine Tumandoks and the arrest of 16 others.

“We hold the Duterte regime accountable for the continuing human rights violations and blatant disregard of various local and international protocols protecting the people’s right to life, liberty and security,” said Bosque.

https://www.panaynews.net/activists-cry-foul-over-military-surveillance/