On December 27, the Philippine National Police arrested Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Cordillera spokesperson Mike Cabangon in Baguio City and charged with violating the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA).

KMU-Cordillera, Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), and Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) condemned the arrest. They said the state is relentless in harassing mass leaders and workers’ rights advocates even at the midst of the holidays.

“Serving an arrest warrant [against Cabangon] just after Christmas shows the state’s desperation to meet its quota,” KMU-Cordillera stated. The group is infuriated by the filing what it called a fabricated case against its spokesperson.

According to the group, Cabangon has long been a dedicated defender of workers’ rights and a union leader. He also reportedly worked with drivers and operators in the region to fight against the jeepney phaseout and defend their livelihood.

“Even now in his senior years, he continues to dedicate his time, energy and talent to the people and communities he serves,” KMU-Cordillera said. “He is not a criminal!” it declared.

The group said they expected arrests at the end of the year, but not of activists and rights defenders—rather of government syndicates, corrupt politicians, contractors, and their protectors.

KMU-Cordillera demanded the dismissal of the case against Cabangon and all activists and rights defenders persecuted by the state. Together with CHRA and CPA, they again demanded the repeal of the repressive laws of the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.