LABOR GROUPS CRITICIZED the Philippine National Police (PNP) after it launched the Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Offices (JIPCO) on January 22 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The PNP claims that the program will purportedly protect various economic zones across Central Luzon.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, however, said the program will only legalize the widespread violation of human rights in enclaves. This will only serve the aim of the reactionary state to suppress militant unions, under the guise of a counterterrorism campaign, to ensure capitalists’ profits.

When it was launched, the Police Regional Office 3 blatantly said that the program primarily aims to prevent militant unions from organizing factory workers in enclaves.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno said that the JIPCO is a direct affront to the rights of laborers to unionize. Peace will never never be achieved especially if state security forces such as those from the PNP implement policies that kill thousands of people.