A militant teachers’ organization on Sunday demanded that the Philippine National Police stop its surveillance on teachers involved in union-organizing.
“In an ongoing teachers’ seminar on unionism currently held in Baguio City, we received a report that police agents are monitoring the teachers’ activities,” the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said in a statement.
ACT said a crew from the catering service in charge for the event was approached on Friday by a state agent, allegedly from Police Station 3 of Baguio City, who asked if the police can take charge of the catering.
On Saturday, another crew was approached again and was asked if ACT has plans of conducting protest actions.
“This is a clear harassment to teacher rights and their freedom to conduct peaceful union activities which the PNP regularly violates,” ACT said.
“The PNP should be reminded they have no right to intrude, harass and monitor teachers’ activities. ACT reiterates its call for the government to stop harassing ACT members and leaders and respect and uphold their right to organization, free speech and assembly,” the group added.
