The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) strongly condemns the arrest warrants targeting three human rights defenders in Visayas. The charges must be junked and the rights defenders must be freed from this continuing persecution.

On August 31, 2026, human rights defenders John Ruiz III, Jhonggie Rumol, and Dyan Gumanao were targeted with an arrest warrant in connection with an attempted murder case filed in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Ruiz, Rumol, and Gumanao are known for their work with workers, communities, and other marginalized sectors. Ruiz is a long-time organizer and currently serve as Vice President for Visayas of MAKABAYAN coalition. Rumol is a former executive director and current consultant of the Visayas Institute for Human Dignity and Advancement, Inc. (VIHDA), while Gumanao is a human rights defender and Vice Chairperson of HUSTISYA.

The circumstances surrounding the case raise serious questions about due process. The three reportedly did not receive copies of the complaint or subpoenas and were not given a chance to answer the allegations before the warrant was issued. These are not minor procedural issues. The right to due process must be respected, especially when criminal charges are being used against activists and human rights defenders.

This is not the first time that the three have faced attacks because of their work. Ruiz has previously been charged in connection with an anti-corruption protest and was also implicated in a frustrated murder case in Negros Occidental even though he was in Cebu at the time. Rumol was among 27 community development workers charged with financing terrorism, a case that was dismissed in 2026.

Gumanao herself has experienced one of the most serious forms of state attack. In 2023, she and her husband, Armand Dayoha, were abducted in Cebu and subjected to interrogation and psychological abuse before being forced to sign documents presented as proof of their supposed “surrender.”

The work of these three defenders directly involves standing with people who are fighting for their rights. Ruiz has worked with workers, urban poor communities, and groups opposing projects that threaten communities. Gumanao has organized teachers and used journalism and alternative media to highlight concerns of workers and marginalized communities. Rumol, through VIHDA, supported workers facing union-busting, illegal dismissal, excessive working hours, and other labor rights violations.

Their cases show how activists and human rights defenders can be repeatedly dragged into criminal proceedings simply because of their political and community work. Instead of protecting people who speak up against abuses and defend the rights of workers and communities, state institutions continue to be used to harass and intimidate them.

The courts must not allow themselves to become instruments of this repression. The charges against John Ruiz, Jhonggie, and Dyan must be immediately junked, and all forms of harassment against them must stop.

The Marcos Jr. government must end the criminalization of activists and human rights defenders. It must uphold due process, respect fundamental freedoms, and hold accountable those responsible for the continuing attacks against people who defend workers, communities, and human rights.

Human rights defenders should not be in prison or facing trumped-up charges simply because they choose to stand with the people. The charges must be junked. Stop the persecution. Hands off human rights defenders!