The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) on Monday, January 26, condemned a death threat against Attorney Rey Gorgonio, chairperson of its Negros chapter, calling it part of a continuing pattern of attacks against human rights defenders.
In a statement, the NUPL said the threatening text message was received on Sunday, January 25, by Joselito Macapobre, a development worker of the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG).
Macapobre received the message while the NUPL–Negros Chapter was holding a public forum on the Writ of Kalikasan and a campaign opposing the proposed palm oil plantation in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
The message warned Macapobre about alleged surveillance, asking if he had noticed a drone flying near his house and claiming, “control natin ‘yun.”
It also cautioned Gorgonio against being “too brave,” saying that “lahat ng katapangan, babagsak sa katahimikan,” and that any position or title he holds would eventually become meaningless.
The sender further warned Macapobre not to align himself with Gorgonio, saying he might be “madamay.”
“The NUPL condemns the death threat directed at Atty. Rey Gorgonio and the continuing attacks against development workers of the PDG,” the organization said.
The group cited the killing of former NUPL–Negros secretary-general Benjamin Ramos, who was shot dead on November 6, 2018. Ramos, who also served as PDG executive director, had previously been subjected to red-tagging and alleged surveillance.
According to the NUPL, Gorgonio now represents the clients left behind by Ramos, including farmers, peasants, and political prisoners.
He is also assisting in efforts to ensure the “humane treatment of detainees” at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City.
“These attacks are part of the continuing weaponization of counterterrorism measures,” the NUPL said, noting that individuals labeled by the military as “high value” are often subjected to intimidation.
The group said such threats create a “chilling environment” meant to hinder human rights lawyers from performing their duties “without fear.”
The NUPL called on those behind the threats against Gorgonio, its Negros chapter, and the PDG to “immediately stop the attacks.”
The organization added that its lawyers and regional chapters have faced repeated threats since its formation in 2007.
In March 2021, Angelo Karlo Guillen, then secretary-general of the NUPL–Panay Chapter, was attacked by masked men in Iloilo City.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.