Tondo activist fights back, denounces state’s ‘return to the fold’ scheme

Enrique Lozada Jr. filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) this Wednesday, February 19, due to the continued intimidation, surveillance, and pressure he has been experiencing to surrender and sign the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Commitment (OOA-PC) in Tondo.

Lozada is an activist and organizer for the urban poor in Tondo, Manila. He became the spokesperson of BAYAN Manila and the auditor of the Samahan ng Maralita sa Temporary Housing (SMTH).

This marks his fourth complaint filed with the CHR since 2023 when he endured surveillance threats following the military deployment in Tondo, particularly by elements of the 11th and 12th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion.

Police push Lozada to ‘return to the fold’ anew

Since January 21, Lozada said the police have persistently attempted to initiate a dialogue with him. When he asked for details about the meeting, the police officers insisted it be conducted privately.

Two police officers were present during the dialogue with Lozada. The dialogue was mediated by the barangay captain of Barangay 105 in Tondo.

“We could even go straight to your house if we wanted to,” Lozada recalled one of the officers saying. The barangay captain immediately objected and warned that such an act would be illegal.

As stipulated in the Constitution, individuals are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that surveillance or house searches cannot be conducted without a court-issued warrant unless in cases of hot pursuit.

The first meeting between the police and Lozada also took place in Barangay 105 last August 2024. During this meeting, the police first attempted to convince Lozada to return to the fold or surrender to the government by signing the OOA-PC, claiming it would “clear his name”. They even offered him a house, livelihood, and other incentives in exchange for signing the document.

Lozada maintained that he has no criminal record and questioned the legality of these motives against him. The only clear reason he sees for being targeted is his role as an activist leader and organizer for the urban poor in Tondo.

In 2023, SMTH members were also subjected to intimidation, red-tagging, and forced surrender efforts led by the 11th and 12th CMO in Tondo. The military visited the homes of several SMTH leaders and members multiple times, instilling fear and anxiety among their families.

On February 11, Lozada received a formal letter from the Philippine National Police National Capital Region (PNP-NCR) requesting another dialogue and urging him to sign the OOA-PC. The letter, addressed to a local community leader, also claimed Lozada was linked to “an organization” without specifying further details. This time, the dialogue was set on February 15.

On that day, Lozada went to the barangay hall with his wife and a paralegal from Karapatan National Capital Region. They found out that the barangay captain was unavailable. As they were about to leave, Lozada noticed that several police officers were already roaming the area within the barangay hall besides the two officers he had previously encountered last January 21.

Amid growing concerns for his safety and that of his family, Lozada decided to immediately file a complaint with the CHR.

CHR probe on red-tagging

According to the CHR, SMTH’s case has been included in the national inquiry on red-tagging.

Last July 2024, the commission launched its public inquiry on the current situation of human rights defenders with a focus on incidents of red-tagging. The inquiry aims to conduct a transparent and public fact-finding investigation.

The national inquiry focuses on four key agendas:

• Identifying the actions taken against individuals and advocacy groups subjected to red-tagging.
• Assessing whether these actions remain within legal bounds or constitute violations.
• Formulating policy recommendations to address red-tagging.
• Ensuring accountability for those responsible.

The CHR initially invited complainants and key witnesses, particularly human rights defenders, to present their testimonies. Following this, state agents identified as responsible or alleged perpetrators of red-tagging will also be called to account.

According to CHR NCR director Atty. Khristian Jeff  Episcope, the inquiry aims to create pressure on the government, especially if findings confirm human rights violations.

“To create more pressure on the government, assuming that there are findings of human rights violations. We are conducting this national inquiry so the commission can holistically examine patterns, data processing, and the use of collected information.,” Atty. Episcope stated.

The national inquiry serves as a broader effort to establish systematic documentation of red-tagging incidents and push for stronger safeguards to protect individuals and organizations advocating for human rights and social justice.