Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) and BAYAN Negros pushed for the immediate enactment of a proposed Human Rights Defenders Ordinance filed by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. during a public hearing at the New Government Center last December 4.

HRAN said the measure aims to protect human rights defenders in Bacolod City from threats, reprisals, and attacks attributed to state security forces.

The group said the proposed ordinance stems from its lobbying efforts with the MANINDIGAN! Network.

HRAN urged city councilors to pass the measure without delay.

In a position paper, HRAN said the ordinance is “timely and relevant” amid continued threats and attacks on rights workers.

The group said Bacolod would join Quezon City and Baguio City in adopting local measures for the protection of human rights defenders.

HRAN and MANINDIGAN! submitted the Quezon City Human Rights Defenders Ordinance to Gamboa in September as part of the reference materials for the Bacolod proposal.

HRAN said Gamboa was the first local official to act on their lobbying efforts.

The position paper cites the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which affirms that “everyone has the right… to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

HRAN listed common threats faced by defenders, including red-tagging, surveillance, intimidation, and the filing of what they described as “trumped-up charges.”

The group also cited past raids on progressive organizations in Bacolod and Escalante in 2019.

HRAN noted previous death threats against BAYAN and KARAPATAN leaders, as well as the killings and disappearances of rights workers.

The position paper said violations occur not only through acts of commission but also when the state fails to provide mechanisms for protection.

HRAN said the proposed ordinance outlines both the rights of defenders and the responsibilities of the city government.

The group called on human rights defenders to form a lobby group to support its passage in Bacolod and other local governments.

HRAN also urged advocates to press lawmakers for the approval of a national Human Rights Defenders Bill pending in Congress.