A series of surveillance incidents targeted MAKABAYAN coordinators in Bacolod City leading up to the February 11 opening salvo of the progressive political party’s regional chapter.

The surveillance on BAYAN MUNA Bacolod City Coordinator and PAMALAKAYA-Negros Chairperson Vincent Fernandez began on January 24, according to his wife, in an interview with Paghimutad.

She said two unidentified men approached her at Barangay Punta Taytay Hall, asking about her family and husband. The men, who identified themselves as military personnel named Keven Fernandez and Mark Calago, caused distress to the family, prompting them to file a police blotter at Bacolod City Police Station 9.

The surveillance intensified on February 11, 2025, when four state intelligence agents were spotted near Fernandez’s home. 

Jodi Flores, a neighbor, reported that two agents approached her store, asking for Fernandez’s address, while two others observed from 500 meters away. Fernandez’s nephew, Japeth Gocco, noted that agents had been monitoring the area for four days.

On the same day, state surveillance extended to the Makabayan Opening Salvo Caravan, where BAYAN MUNA officers Belen Mendoza, Carlo Mendoza, and Nori Saldavia participated. At Goodyear Store in Alijis, a state agent questioned Belen Mendoza about the caravan route and accepted campaign materials.

The agent followed the caravan to Lopez-Jaena and Burgos streets, where he approached Saldavia, requesting fare money to return to Negros Oriental. Saldavia declined, stating they were short of funds. The agent then berated Saldavia’s group and asked for Bayan Muna’s office address.

The agent continued tailing the group until Rosario Verbina Street, where Carlo Mendoza confronted him, causing the agent to flee, abandoning  a Honda Wave scooter  containing wigs. 

The vehicle had no license plate, and the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration did not match the agent’s identity.

Responding police officers identified the agent as a pawnshop guard and discouraged the Mendozas from filing a blotter, stating that “no altercation occurred.”

Makabayan Regional Coordinator Ereneo Longinos condemned the incidents as part of heightened attacks on activists under PNP-led NTF-ELCAC counterinsurgency operations, as the AFP shifts focus to “external threats.”

“This surveillance sends a chilling message to progressive groups—intimidation, harassment, and fear are their weapons to silence us ahead of the elections,” Longinos said.

Longinos calls for Commission on Human Rights and COMELEC to probe into these series of attacks.