15/08/2026
โ THE TIME FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS PROTECTION ORDINANCE IN KALINGA IS NOW
We from the Cordilleran Youth Center urge the Tabuk City local government and the rest of the Province of Kalinga to legislate and enact local ordinances and measures that ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of our people. This includes the passage of a Human Rights Defenders Protection Ordinance (HRDO) that clearly identifies red-tagging and political vilification as rights violations that infringe upon democracy.
Together with fellow youth in the region, we raise concern over the disturbing spate of red-tagging, intimidation, and harassment that has occurred in relation to the visit of youth congresswoman and Kabataan Partylist Representative Atty. Renee Co in Kalinga. The alarming normalcy of red-tagging reveals an even greater concern: a culture of violence, hate speech, and disregard for basic freedoms has been inculcated in the minds of some of our kailianโrunning counter to our constitutionally mandated civil liberties and even to such basic indigenous customs of hospitality, compassion, and respect for others.
The incident is not isolated from previous cases of political vilification and rights violations reported by various local peopleโs organizations and community advocates in the province such as advocates and environmental defenders opposing the various large-scale mines and mega-dams in the province. Kalinga is no stranger to these rampant cases of human rights violations. The August 14 incident at Kalinga State University (KSU) thus only reinforces the urgent need for local officials to step up and act now.
This cycle of impunity must end.
Repression and violations of the basic rights to assembly, free speech, and organization have no place in truly democratic societies. In this spirit, we recognize and commend the courtesy and firm commitment to democracy demonstrated by the Tabuk City local government, as expressed in a statement released by the Tabuk City Public Information Office, which stated: โfear and assumptions cannot replace facts,โ and โTabuk City and the whole province of Kalinga is a home of welcome, and we extend that welcome to all, with respect.โ
We must not fear societies where people speak up and actively and critically participate in public and social discourse and movements, especially among young people. What we must fear are societies silenced, blinded, and muted.
We call on all government officials and democracy-loving citizens of Kalinga and the rest of the region to engage and support the passage of local ordinances and measures that protect, uphold, and promote human rights.
For reference, see the full copy of Baguio Cityโs HRDO here: https://citycouncil.baguio.gov.ph/ordinances/xjo076bm Baguio City Public Information Office Baguio City - Sangguniang Panlungsod
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๐ Cordilleran Youth Center (C*C) is a youth-led non-government organization based in Baguio City. It serves as an education, training, and advocacy center for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in the Cordillera region. It served as one of the main proponents of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Ordinance (HRDO) in Baguio City, together with other civil society organizations and with the support of local government champions in the Baguio City Council. The HRDO was passed in Baguio City in December 2024, serving as landmark local legislation that penalizes red-tagging and provides safeguards and mechanisms for rights protection. Since 2024, C*C, together with CWEARC and KADUAMI, has been implementing the European Union-supported Human Rights Cities Project in Northern Luzon and the Safe and Sound Cities Programme in Baguio City since 2023.
