By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
A federation of teachers once again denounced the violations on the educators’ “right to life and liberty” as well as of their union rights with the continued and “intensifying attacks” against its members.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines slammed what it considers increasing “attacks” against teachers and their union following the frustrated slay of teachers Zhaydee and Ramel Cabañelez in Valencia, Bukidnon last October 15 and the arrest of ACT Bulacan Coordinator Digna Mateo a day after.
“The targeted attacks against us—from the nationwide profiling to surveillance, threats, red-tagging, and the worst yet, killing and arrest—is all part of the state’s attempt to quell all forms of resistance from teachers who are fighting for their rights,” said ACT National Chairperson Joselyn Martinez.
Martinez also noted that the attacks also “discourage and sow fear” among the nearly 200,000 members of the ACT “so as to curb the growing unity and resolve among educators who have made great strides in the fight for decent pay, better working conditions, and better social services for the people.”
Despite its concerns, ACT lamented that the Philippine National Police (PNP) claims that “no such attacks” are being launched against the federation.
Late Thursday night, simultaneous indignation rallies were held at the Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School in Quezon City and at the Philippine Normal University in Manila.
The protests were attended by teachers, education workers, and students who registered “their urgent call for justice to be served to the Cabañelez teachers as well as for the release of Digna Mateo and the dropping of the fabricated case against her.”
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines slammed what it considers increasing “attacks” against teachers and their union following the frustrated slay of teachers Zhaydee and Ramel Cabañelez in Valencia, Bukidnon last October 15 and the arrest of ACT Bulacan Coordinator Digna Mateo a day after.
“The targeted attacks against us—from the nationwide profiling to surveillance, threats, red-tagging, and the worst yet, killing and arrest—is all part of the state’s attempt to quell all forms of resistance from teachers who are fighting for their rights,” said ACT National Chairperson Joselyn Martinez.
Martinez also noted that the attacks also “discourage and sow fear” among the nearly 200,000 members of the ACT “so as to curb the growing unity and resolve among educators who have made great strides in the fight for decent pay, better working conditions, and better social services for the people.”
Despite its concerns, ACT lamented that the Philippine National Police (PNP) claims that “no such attacks” are being launched against the federation.
Late Thursday night, simultaneous indignation rallies were held at the Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School in Quezon City and at the Philippine Normal University in Manila.
The protests were attended by teachers, education workers, and students who registered “their urgent call for justice to be served to the Cabañelez teachers as well as for the release of Digna Mateo and the dropping of the fabricated case against her.”