A Southern Tagalog labor group announced on November 18 the release from prison of regional labor leader Gavino Panganiban. Police and military forces arrested Panganiban in Makati City on October 27, 2024.
According to the Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (Pamantik-KMU), Panganiban was released after a court in Infanta, Quezon dismissed the murder case against him. The group expressed great joy over the release of their campaign director.
Upon his release, Pamantik-KMU stated that Panganiban can once again resume his organizing work. The group said, “Ka Gavino can fully contribute his extensive experience in building and expanding the labor movement.”
Pamantik-KMU again condemned the state forces for the arrest and prolonged detention of Panganiban. The group also demanded the release of Maritess David, a labor leader arrested with Panganiban, and other political prisoners.
“We are certain that the fascists’ rage over Panganiban’s release will be limitless,” Pamantik-KMU said. The group added that state forces will certainly not recognize the court’s decision and will not stop violating the rights of Panganiban and his fellow workers and organizers.
“Overall, this is an attack of the US-Marcos Jr regime on the labor movement that continue until now, aiming to force the toiling masses accept the miserable conditions in workplaces and in society,” the group stated. Repression of workers has also reportedly intensified further under Marcos in accordance with the regime’s National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development (NAP-UPD).
More than 700 political prisoners remain detained nationwide.
