6 April, 2011The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights demands "immediate and thorough" investigation into the murder of a trade union leader in the Philippines and demands the government protects other unionists.
PHILPPINES: The Philippines Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) calls on national authorities to conduct an "immediate and thorough" investigation into the recent murder of Celito Baccay.
On March 8, Celito Baccay, 31 year old leader and founder of the Maeno Giken Workers' Organization (MAGIKWO) at Maeno Giken Steel plant, a Japanese-owned manufacturer of steel, iron and stainless steel products in Dasmarinas, Cavite province, was shot at point-blank range by unidentified gunmen on his way home. The police officers arrived at the scene and found one empty 9 mm shell and a deformed bullet of the same firearm inside Baccay's jacket. The Baccay was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died.
The CTUHR, the Workers Assistance Center (WAC) and the Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW) carried out a joint fact-finding mission into the circumstances of the murder. The mission discovered details of an ongoing dispute between MAGIKWO and the management. Since the union's creation, the management reportedly had been actively engaged in activities to hamper union organizing. Workers also reported continued harassment and harsh disciplinary actions.
More than three weeks after the incident, there is no clear direction for the investigation of the murder as no witness can clearly identify the gunmen or even the vehicle they used. Members of the MAGIKWO stated cautiously to the fact-finding mission that they believe there can be no other motive behind Baccay's killing except his union affiliation and activities. One week before the incident Baccay rejected a management offer of promotion as, if accepted, he could not continue as a union leader.
"This incident is another attack on workers' right to life. The murder of Baccay should be immediately and thoroughly investigated by the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to jail," Armand Hernando, CTUHR representative said.
In its press-release the CTUHR expressed concern over the future of the case and its implications for MAGIKWO members. "Intimidating and virtually crushing the union appears to be the most plausible motive behind the killing. Now, the members of MAGIKWO are very much fearful for their lives because of what happened. We urge the government to protect the other unionists and immediately bring the perpetrator to justice," added Hernando.