NUPL-Negros chair receives death threat via text

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The chairperson of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)-Negros chapter has become the subject of a death threat sent through text message, which the organization’s national headquarters condemned on Monday, Jan. 26.

In a press statement, the NUPL said Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) development worker Joselito Macapobre received the threatening message on Sunday, Jan. 25.

Macapobre reportedly received the message while the NUPL-Negros chapter was holding a public forum on the Writ of Kalikasan and a campaign opposing the development of a palm oil plantation in Candoni, Negros Occidental.

“Nakikita mo ba ang drone na lumilipad kada gabi malapit sa bahay mo [Macapobre]? Huwag lang mag-alala control natin yun. Si Gorgonio, huwag lang nya sobrahan ng tapang. Kasi lahat ng katapangan, babagsak yan sa katahimikan. Pag napunta na sa katahimikan, walang saysay kung anumang posisyon o titulo niya ngayon. Huwag ka na sumabay sa kanya. Baka madamay ka pa,” the message read.

“Do you see the drone that flies near your house every night? Don’t worry, we control that. Gorgonio should not be too bold because all bravery will fall into silence. When that happens, any position or title he holds will no longer matter. Do not go along with him. You may be dragged into it,” the translation read.

“The NUPL condemns the death threat directed at Atty. Rey Gorgonio, chairperson of the NUPL-Negros Chapter, 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 Nov. 6, 2018.

Ramos, who also served as executive director of the PDG, had previously been subjected to red-tagging and alleged surveillance.

“Atty. Gorgonio now represents the clients left behind by Atty. Ramos, including farmers, peasants, and political prisoners, and is assisting in the campaign for the humane treatment of detainees at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City,” the statement said.

The NUPL called on those behind the threats against Gorgonio, the Negros chapter, and the PDG to immediately stop the attacks.

“These attacks against Atty. Gorgonio and his clients, whom the military has labeled as ‘high value individuals,’ are part of the continuing weaponization of counterterrorism measures against development workers and human rights defenders. They create a chilling climate meant to intimidate and hinder human rights lawyers from independently performing their duties and providing legal services without fear. These attacks must stop,” the statement said.

The NUPL said its lawyers and regional chapters have faced repeated threats and attacks since the group’s formation in 2007.

In March 2021, lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen, secretary-general of the NUPL-Panay chapter, was attacked by masked men in Iloilo City.

The attack on Guillen triggered widespread condemnation and prompted the Supreme Court to direct lower courts to document threats and killings involving lawyers and judges over the past decade, starting in 2011.