06/10/2026
LOOK | Members of the activist fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) from Cavite and Navotas filed a complaint at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in regards to the “coordinated harassment” by government officials and authorities against small fisherfolk in Manila Bay.
In a letter addressed to CHR Chair Atty. Richard Palpal-latoc, the fishers’ group urged for an investigation on the “series of harassment and intimidation” from the authorities, who identified themselves as from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), against local chapters of PAMALAKAYA, who are active in campaign for the protection of Manila Bay against reclamation, seabed quarrying, and other forms of conversion.
The harassment, according to the complaint, includes constant visitations and profiling from the two OPAPRU authorities, as well as constant messaging from unknown individuals seeking organization’s information in exchange for financial assistance.
PAMALAKAYA logged some incidents of harassment against its local members, including constant visitation from the OPAPRU members, surveillance, profiling, and “fake surrender program”.
“The government’s coordinated harassment against fisherfolk in Manila Bay does not only concern the safety and security of our local members. It also undermines the fishing sector’s collective efforts to preserve the marine and coastal resources against destruction.
The fishers who have been subjected to State harassment are the fishers who tirelessly campaign for the protection of our environment. They don’t deserve such dirty tactics of intimidation, surveillance, and coercion from the authorities.
We urge the CHR to dispatch investigators and look into these serious cases of violation of human rights. The OPAPRU should be made to explain on why it has been targeting the legitimate concerns of the fisherfolk for socio-economic and environmental rights,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement. # # #