The Timek ken Namnama Dagiti Babassit a Mangngalap ti La Union (Timek), a fisherfolk organization in the province, condemned the Philippine National Police (PNP) for forcing two individuals from the towns of Agoo and Bauang in La Union to “surrender” on January 14. The two were reportedly tagged as communists.

The “surrendered” individuals were identified as Jindie Ruiz Lapasanda, 35 years old, a welder residing in Barangay Pudoc, Bauang; and Teresita Miranda Villanueva, 41, of Barangay San Manuel Norte, Agoo. Lapasanda is a member of the Anakpawis Party-list while Villanueva is a member of Timek La Union.

“In the past years, our organization has experienced similar harassments where TIMEK members are forced to sign an allegiance oath as if standing up for their rights as fisherfolk is a crime,” the group compared.

Forcing surrenders is a standard police and military tactic in many provinces to suppress and prevent masses from fighting for their rights. “Forcing the surrender of members of sectoral and advocacy organizations has no basis because the people have the right to organize themselves according to their interests,” the group said.

They added that such practices endanger the lives and safety of ordinary citizens like them. “The state uses Red-tagging to implement the Anti-Terror Law, and it is desperate to show its victory against the revolutionaries,” the group further stated.

Timek La Union lamented that the country’s ordinary fisherfolk currently face many problems but the Marcos regime responds by threatening their lives. This includes the recent Supreme Court decision allowing commercial and large-scale fisherfolk to operate in municipal waters.

“Their livelihood is already threatened as it is, and yet they are even prevented from organizing and advancing their interests,” the group said. They believe that the National Task Force-Elcac, under the direction of Marcos Jr, is leading the campaign of suppression against them and other progressives.

Meanwhile, Timek La Union called on the media to be vigilant against similar police and military deceptions. They should ensure responsible reporting and seek the side of democratic organizations like Timek La Union.