Gabriela member in Visayas 'harassed' by alleged AFP member – Elago
At A Glance
- Gabriela Party-list on Monday, Oct. 6, reported a supposed case of harassment and intimidation against one of its members in Visayas that was allegedly committed by a member of the Philippine military.
Gabriela Party-list on Monday, Oct. 6, reported a supposed case of harassment and intimidation against one of its members in Visayas that was allegedly committed by a member of the Philippine military.
In a statement, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said the group strongly condemned the act against Gabriela's Deputy Secretary General for Visayas, Belinda "Nanay Bebe" Allere, "by individuals reported to be members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)".
Citing reports it received, two men who supposedly identified themselves as members of the AFP visited Nanay Bebe's home on Sept. 15.
About two weeks later, two men allegedly abducted and brought to Cebu City her brother, who was believed to be pressured to persuade her "to abandon her activism and 'cooperate' with authorities, even offering livelihood assistance in exchange for her silence," according to Gabriela.
This wasn't even enough, Nanay Bebe said in the report that reached Elago, as she was allegedly set up to meet her other siblings in a house in Barangay Luz in Cebu City, where her siblings relayed her the warning and offers made by supposed AFP agents.
"Nanay Bebe left immediately and managed to evade a van and several motorcycles that appeared to be following her," the report said.
Elago condemned such an act as she said it was the "same reason why the party-list is opposing questionable funds for militarization".
"Malinaw na ginagamit ito para supilin, hindi protektahan, ang mamamayan (It's clear that it is being used to oppress and not protect the people)," she said.
"Gabriela Women’s Party stands in full solidarity with Nanay Bebe and all advocates who courageously continue their work despite harassment. The women’s party reiterated that activism is not a crime and that no one should be coerced into abandoning their principles through fear," she added.