Dispatchers union

LATEST VICTIM Labor leader Dandy Miguel, shown in this undated photo from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog, is the latest victim of assassins in Calabarzon region. The Department of Justice has promised to conduct a “preliminary assessment” of Miguel’s case. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday called on the government to “cease operations and crackdowns against rights defenders [in] this week of solemnity.” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia issued this statement following the murder of a Red-tagged union leader in Laguna province on Palm Sunday. Around 9 p.m. on Sunday, labor leader Dandy Miguel was on his way home, riding his motorcycle on Kapayapaan Road in Calamba City, when he was shot several times by still unidentified men, according to a report by the Calamba City police, which described the attack as a “shooting incident.” Miguel, 35, a father of two, had just left his workplace at Fuji Electric Philippines headquarters in Carmelray Industrial ... » Learn More about CHR seeks end to crackdown on rights defenders

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent probe on the killing of the leader of the left-leaning labor group, PAMANTIK-Kilusang Mayo Uno. “CHR Region IV-A has dispatched its investigation team to monitor the case to its just resolution,” Atty. Jacqueline De Guia, spokesperson of the agency, said. On Sunday, Dandy Miguel, vice chairperson of PAMANTIK-KMU, was killed by unidentified assailants in Laguna. He was shot while riding his motorcycle, according to authorities. “[We are] one with labor rights groups in decrying this latest spate of violence against rights defenders,” said De Guia on Monday. “As we have repeatedly asked, the escalating situation of violence and harassment against union leaders and activities calls for urgent action and tangible measures.” The CHR likewise asked the government to look into the killing of the union leader, who was also the president of Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Fuji Electric-Olalia-KMU. It specifically ... » Learn More about CHR team probes killing of labor leader in Laguna

The United States has assured the Philippines the mutual defense treaty they signed in 1951 applies to growing concerns in the South China Sea, where China has been aggressively pursuing its claims on disputed islets and reefs. Last Thursday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was on the phone with Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. to discuss the massing of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone or EEZ. Emily Horne, spokesman of the US National Security Council, said Sullivan emphasized that the US “stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order.” Sullivan “reaffirmed the applicability of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in the South China Sea,” Horne said in a statement. Under the 70-year-old treaty, the Philippines and US are bound to support each when either one is attacked by an external force. The government ... » Learn More about US vows to back PH in maritime dispute