The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) supports the secretary-general of national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU, May First Movement) in filing charges against police officers who carried out the September 29, 2023 arrest of veteran labor organizer Jude Thaddeus Fernandez that resulted in his death.

Today, KMU secretary-general Jerome Adonis, acting in behalf of Fernandez’ relatives, friends and colleagues in the labor movement, filed a case that seeks justice over Fernandez’ murder before the Taytay regional trial court.

Adonis filed murder charges against Pat. Quincy Joseph Bico and PMSg. Roberto Jimenez, and charges of violating the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity against the two and their five accomplices: PMaj. Leopoldo Cajipe, PMASg. Emerson Calguiran, PCpl. Amerjon Pelayo, PCpl, Nico Villanueva, PCol. Jacinto Malinao.

The complaint cited many irregularities in the operation: the arrest warrant contains the name “Oscar Dizon,” not Fernandez’ name, and accuses Fernandez of being a member of the New People’s Army and a Communist Party official, when he is a veteran labor organizer of the KMU.

The complaint also countered the police officers’ claim that Fernandez fought back (“nanlaban”) against his arrest. Fernandez is a senior citizen and was unarmed when the incident happened. Two shots were fired against Fernandez: one immediately when he opened the door and another when he already fell on the floor. These shots show an intent to kill Fernandez.

The police and military forces deployed in the operation against Fernandez constitute an overkill: involved were the Philippine National Police Central Investigation and Detection Group or PNP-CIDG, the PNP Joint Task Force National Capital Region or JTF NCR, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP.

We have repeatedly maintained that what happened to Fernandez follows a template, a modus operandi: trumped-up charges are filed against labor and social activists; arrest warrants are issued by the courts; in serving the warrant, the activist is killed with the excuse that s/he fought back, or is arrested with the excuse that s/he was in possession of guns, ammunitions and explosives; and evidence are planted against the activist.

The filing of charges against police officers responsible for Fernandez’ death is another test case for the country’s courts. The courts should show independence in seeking justice and accountability despite an atmosphere of intimidation created especially by former President Rodrigo Duterte and his murderous war on drugs and war against all forms of dissent and opposition.

The filing of charges against the police officers is also a test for the current government of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. It should uphold, support and protect the independence of the country’s courts. It has been declaring that it upholds democracy and labor and human rights, and has been trying to distance itself from its predecessor. It should show that these are not mere empty claims by working for the accountability of human rights violators.

#JusticeforJudeFernandez