The Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN) strongly condemns the raid committed by state forces against labor leader Ruel Polon at his Sta. Rosa City residence. Polon serves as President of the TF Logistics workers’ union, an affiliate of the Philippine Metalworker’s Alliance (PMA). The union is currently in the middle of a labor dispute, having filed a notice of strike following instances of alleged unfair labor practices. These include management interference in union affairs and attempts to divide the union. ⁣

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Seven police officers reportedly conducted the raid on the evening of November 2, with a search warrant for firearms and ammunition. However, Polon stressed that no firearms nor ammunition were found or seized at his residence. Worse, he has already been a target of police intimidation, having been red-tagged in 2021 for an earlier union dispute. ⁣

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It is alarming that such a raid has targeted a union leader, especially in the middle of an ongoing labor dispute. This incident cannot be simply explained as a police operation, especially given prior history. The particular details that were used to justify the search warrant notwithstanding, this incident cannot be separated from the greater political context —- widespread trade union repression, often in the guise of legitimate police/security operations. ⁣

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For LEARN, this raid raises serious questions —- why is it that when unions fight for workers’ rights, they appear to be subjected to increased scrutiny and direct security operations? We demand an independent investigation into this alarming incident. ⁣

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All recordings of the operation, including body camera footage, must be preserved and surrendered. The current context of the union’s ongoing labor dispute must be the foundation of this investigation. Was the police raid connected to the union’s dispute with management? Especially given that this is the second act of intimidation against Polon during a labor dispute.⁣

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We call on the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Commission on Human Rights to act swiftly and decisively on this incident. ⁣

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The workers’ fundamental right to collective bargaining and self-organization must not be penalized by state-sponsored harassment. The facts must be clarified, the necessary disciplinary measures against erring officials carried out, and the revision/implementation of policy to protect workers be implemented. We demand answers, not only for Polon’s rights as a worker, but to help ensure justice to all workers victimized by state violence for asserting their rights.