Gabriela Caloocan protested at Barangay 175’s Barangay Hall on October 29 to condemn the 12th Civil Military Operations Battalion and NTF-Elcac for Red-tagging, surveillance, suppression and terrorism against residents and the progressive group’s members in North Caloocan on October 28. The 12th CMO is currently encamped behind the barangay hall’s covered court.

At around 11 a.m., individuals identifying themselves as police officers raided the Gabriela Caloocan office. They reportedly claimed having an arrest warrant but did not present any documents. That night, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., two uniformed police officers were seen loitering outside the organization’s office. The same individuals returned at around 10 p.m., waving their firearms and terrorizing Gabriela members.

Barangay officials said that there was no coordination or notice of any arrest warrant or operation for the said building.

Meanwhile, in Barangay 175 Camarin, Caloocan, Gabriela Matarik members were Red-tagged and harassed. A 2nd Lt. Julie San Jose and Barangay Captain Ronald Matias summoned organization members and accused them of being recruiters for a revolutionary group. Fear forced them to comply with the military’s summons at the barangay.

Defend Caloocan expressed concern that the military might subsequently coerce Gabriela Matarik members to “return to the fold” of the government in exchange for aid from the Barangay Development Fund and to “clear their names,” despite not being part of any revolutionary organization.

Since 2023, the 12th CMO has been notorious for conducting surveillance, harassment, and forced surrenders of community leaders and activists across Metro Manila. This year, starting October 6, military operations have continued in barangays 175, 181-182, and 187-188 in North Caloocan.

Residents and Gabriela Caloocan are calling on Mayor Along Malapitan, the city councilors, and the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the NTF-Elcac and the 12th CMO for their threats and harassment against citizens.