Gov’t agencies to be mobilized to probe unionist death — Bersamin
MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday said that all necessary government agencies will take action to investigate the death of a labor organizer in Rizal.
Jude Thaddeus Fernandez was an organizer under the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). The KMU said that state agents killed Fernandez on September 29, where police claimed that he fought back.
READ: KMU decries cops’ ‘nanlaban’ claim in slay of unionist in Rizal
“This administration stands for the creation of a fair and just society for all and guarantees the inalienability of the people’s fundamental rights and welfare. These basic freedoms must be meaningfully upheld and never curtailed by any form of violence,” said Bersmin in a statement.
“To that end, we will take concrete steps to mobilize all relevant government agencies towards effectively conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter,” he said.
Bersamin also extended his sympathies to Fernandez’s family.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jude Thaddeus Fernandez, a veteran defender of labor rights and a dedicated trade union organizer. We also extend our condolences to the labor groups and unions whom he has helped,” said Bersamin.
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