A coordinated set of raids by police and the army in Negros Occidental and Metro Manila and the subsequent arrest of dozens of activists represents an escalation in the ongoing crackdown against progressive and groups identified as “leftist” by the government. Amnesty International calls on the authorities to fulfil their international obligation to respect and protect the right to freedom of association of peaceful groups and organisations in the Philippines, as well as their duty to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights of activists, including their rights to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly.
