Members of the Human Rights Advocates of Negros are calling for the dissolution of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict amid alleged increased harassment and surveillance of progressive leaders.
HRAN, in a press statement, said that Bacolod-based progressive organizations have observed disturbing patterns of harassment, threats, and surveillance by state agents.
“The group’s demand comes in response to NTF-ELCAC’s proposed budget, which has alarmingly tripled to P7.8 billion for 2025, with concerns that the increased funds will intensify attacks on legal activists”, the statement said.
Their statement said that leaders of Kadamay Negros were subjected to surveillance and red-tagging, while Noli Rosales of Kilusang Mayo Uno allegedly faced similar state-led intimidation related to his work in opposing the transport modernization program.
HRAN claimed that these successive attacks are part of the “desperate attempt” by the military to claim Western Visayas as Stable and Internal Peace Status (SIPS) by September, as disclosed by Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander.
They called for the immediate dissolution of NTF-ELCAC, citing that the increased budget will likely be used to further target and suppress progressive voices.
“The harassment of these leaders is seen as a direct attack on their right to advocate for their communities and causes”, the statement added.*