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A hall at the Supreme Court building in Manila in an undated image.
SC PIO
MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) asked the Supreme Court to issue protective writs for human rights lawyers in Negros and several development workers, citing alleged surveillance, harassment and threats linked to state agents.
In petitions filed Thursday, March 5, the group sought writs of amparo and habeas data for lawyer Rey Gorgonio, chair of NUPL-Negros, and members of the Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG).
The group said the petition was prompted by what it described as a persistent campaign of surveillance, harassment and intimidation.
Gorgonio was openly "red-tagged" in local communities by personnel from the 303rd Infantry Brigade, NUPL said.
The lawyer and his colleagues have also allegedly been followed by unidentified individuals in civilian clothing.
Alleged threats, intimidation. The petition also recounts alleged threats against PDG development workers, including warnings that they would be "silenced" for their bravery and pressure to cooperate with the military as intelligence assets.
"Atty. Gorgonio's co-petitioners, who are also his clients from PDG, likewise allege coercive pressure to cooperate with the military as intelligence assets and threats extending to their family members," the NUPL said in a statement.
The group said the threats have created serious risks to the lawyers and the communities they represent.
Separate concerns raised over Isabela lawyer
The NUPL also said it submitted a letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo regarding the situation of Ma. Catherine Dannug-Salucon, a human rights lawyer in Isabela.
Dannug-Salucon had previously been granted protective writs by the Court of Appeals in 2015, a ruling later affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018.
However, NUPL said she continues to face security threats.
According to an urgent manifestation filed with the Court of Appeals, a person claiming to be a police officer was recently tasked with profiling her, raising concerns that court protections are not being fully enforced.
"An Urgent Manifestation with Motion was filed before the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 00053, reporting that threats to her life, liberty, and security persist," the NUPL said.
Impact on legal independence
The NUPL said the alleged harassment of lawyers threatens due process and the independence of the legal profession.
Citing the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the group said lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation or being identified with their clients' causes.
"In an environment where the rhetoric of red-tagging is amplified, especially in the context of counterterrorism laws, the risk of physical harm to counsel deepens and the chilling effect on legal representation becomes more acute," the group said.
The NUPL urged the Supreme Court to strengthen safeguards for lawyers and litigants.
It also called for formal dialogue with the judiciary and clearer protocols to address red-tagging and "guilt-by-association" narratives in court proceedings.
In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that red-tagging and guilt by association can endanger a person's rights to life, liberty and security.
