State forces killed two civilians and illegally arrested six from mid-March to April 7. Meanwhile, a mass action of workers was violently dispersed in Laguna.

Extrajudicial killing. In Sorsogon, 31st IB elements killed 24-year-old worker James Quiñones while waiting for a boat ride to the town center on March 25 in Barangay Juan Andre, Donsol. The military claims the victim was hit by stray bullet, which the family belies because his body was riddled with bullets.

In Negros Oriental, farmer Edgar Tingting, 50, died from hemorrhage in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City on March 17 when shot by the 62nd IB as he gathered fodder for cattle. The 62nd IB falsely claims Tingting was a Red fighter who died in an encounter.

In Negros Occidental, the 79th IB fired rounds at a peasant in Barangay Minautok, Calatrava on April 6. The victim’s condition remains uncertain. The military made false claims that an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) took place.

Arrest. In Occidental Mindoro, the 68th IB arrested Charlize Garzon or Ceeka on March 29 in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose. They accused her of being an NPA member captured after a clash. Garzon is a cultural activist. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in AB Arts Management from De La Salle College of St. Benilde. They subjected her to physical and mental torture and violated her rights in jail.

In Iloilo, combined military and police forces arrested Josephine Porquia, 64, and Ma. Luisa Tagamolila Guillen, 62, at their home in Barangay Aganan, Pavia on April 2.

Porquia, former coordinator of the Migrante group, faces a rebellion charge filed back in 2012. To drag her to jail, they claimed seizing explosives from her and charged her with illegal manufacturing, selling, and possession of explosives. Gabriela member Guillen was charged with obstruction of justice.

Pasay City Philippine National Police illegally arrested and detained beyond a week three residents who protested on March 23 at the Pasay City Hall. The three are Wowee Market Vendors Association members opposing the closure of Wowee Market. They were released on March 31.

Violent dispersal of protest action. In Laguna, protesting workers of Lucio Tan-owned PackageWorld Inc were violently dispersed at the Laguna Technopark Special Economic Zone in Cabuyao on March 23. The company fired 139 contractual workers days later. The PackageWorld Inc. Workers Union-Independent spearheaded the protest against the company’s deadlock and wage suppression in their collective bargaining agreement. Part of Asia Brewery Incorporated, PackageWorld Inc. manufactures packaging equipment for beverage products and others.