The National Union of People’s Lawyers has asked the Supreme Court of the Philippines to issue protective writs for human rights lawyers in Negros and several development workers, citing alleged surveillance, harassment, and intimidation linked to state agents.
In petitions filed on March 5, the group requested writs of amparo and habeas data for lawyer Rey Gorgonio, chairperson of NUPL-Negros, and members of the Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group.
The organization said the petitions were prompted by what it described as a continuing campaign of surveillance, harassment, and intimidation targeting lawyers and development workers in the region.
According to the NUPL, Gorgonio was allegedly “red-tagged” in local communities by personnel from the 303rd Infantry Brigade.
The group also claimed that the lawyer and his colleagues have been followed by unidentified individuals in civilian clothing.
The petition further cited alleged threats against development workers linked to the group, including warnings that they could be “silenced” for their activities.
“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 warned that these actions pose serious risks not only to the lawyers but also to the communities they represent.
Separately, the NUPL also raised concerns about the situation of human rights lawyer Ma Catherine Dannug-Salucon, who continues to face security threats despite previously receiving court protection.
The group said it submitted a letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo regarding her case, citing reports that a person claiming to be a police officer was tasked with profiling her.
According to an urgent manifestation filed with the Court of Appeals of the Philippines, the threats against Dannug-Salucon’s life, liberty, and security have persisted despite earlier legal protections.
The NUPL said the alleged harassment of lawyers undermines due process and the independence of the legal profession.
Citing the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the group said legal practitioners must be able to perform their duties without intimidation or being associated with the causes of their clients.
The organization urged the Supreme Court to strengthen safeguards for lawyers and litigants and to establish clearer protocols addressing red-tagging and guilt-by-association claims in court proceedings.