Manila Today
Around 7:00 PM, hours after attending the United People’s State of the Nation Address protest, labor organizer Grace Banga was held at gunpoint on Ylanan St. in UP Diliman.
Banga went to the University Hotel to conduct a workers’ consultation. She serves as a consultant and secretary for the University Hotel Workers Union (UHWU).
Banga left the hotel at around 5:30 PM and went to Area 2 in UP Diliman for a quick dinner.
According to Banga, she did not take her usual route coming from UH as she often takes the shortcut route near the soccer field when coming from Area B towards Ylanan St.
Upon reaching Ylanan, not far from the street food stall, a motorist approached Banga and convinced her to get in the motorcycle.
“Saglit, saglit. Kakausapin kita. May kakausap lang sa iyo,” the motorist said to Banga.
[Wait up. I want to talk. Someone wants to talk to you]
In Banga’s mind, thoughts about her child–who has just been released from the hospital–and in dire need of her visit, have been front and center. Even if this motorist is a hold-upper, she has nothing to offer because she doesn’t have any money.
“Ano bang kailangan mo?” Banga cried.
[What do you want?”]
The motorist then drew a gun and pointed it at Banga, first in her chest and onto her face. The motorist was only a foot away from her.
The confrontation did not last long as two civilians were about to pass Ylanan St. from Central Avenue.
This made the motorist grow frantic, allowing Banga to quickly escape from the situation.
According to her, she did not run, thinking that she might be gunned down. She walked quickly while staying alert and looking over her shoulder.
Banga then reported about the incident after reaching the guards in UP Central. She further observed that the motorist, even from afar, got off the motorcycle and continued to stare at her.
After this, she went to UP Police to report the incident tagged as blatant harassment and a death threat.
“Sa ganitong pangyayari ako ay nangangamba sa aking seguridad. Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Tumulong lang ako na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa o ng mga masang inaapi. Matagal na panahon akong naging aktibista alam ko na ang pagtindig at paglaban sa mga karapatan ang tanging solusyon para mapawi ang pagsasamantala,” said Banga.
[In this situation, I am concerned about my safety. I haven’t done anything wrong; I’m just helping to fight for the rights of workers and oppressed masses. I’ve been an activist for a long time, and I know that standing up and fighting for rights is the only solution to alleviate exploitation]
Persistent attacks on labor activists
According to Sandigang Manggagawa sa Quezon City, the threat received by Banga is not an isolated case, especially for labor activists or organizers in Quezon City.
SMQC noted incident reports in September 2023, when a labor organizer was chased by an SUV following a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) consultation with UH workers; and in October 2022, when labor activist Banjo Cordero was arrested on charges of frustrated homicide. Cordero had also been at UH the night before his arrest.
SMQC condemned this recent attack on labor activists and defenders, further lambasting the terror law charge to SMQC organizer Rodrigo Esparago and Kilusang Mayo Uno NCR former chairperson Ed Cubelo.
According to the group, the Marcos Jr. administration did not address the issues faced by the labor sector, particularly those in marginalized communities.
Karapatan National Capital Region also reported that the current political prisoners in the region are labor organizers.
“Currently, the remaining activists from Human Rights Day 7 (HRD7) are labor organizers who remain imprisoned. The Marcos Jr. regime still has not resolved the struggle endured by workers such as low wages, contractualization, and the right to unionize,” said Karapatan NCR.
The remaining activists detained from HRD7 include Mark Ryan Cruz, Jaymie Gregorio, Romina Astudillo, and Joel Demate.
“Hanggang kailan matitigil ang ganitong panghaharass, pagbanta, pananakot o pagpatay sa mga tulad ko walang masama sa mga pinaglalaban namin? Ang estado ni Marcos Jr. kasama ang mga kapitalista ay gustong ipanatili ang ganitong kalakaran para magpatuloy ang kanilang pagsasamantala sa mga tao,” said Banga.
[Until when will this harassment, threats, intimidation, or killings like ours stop? We are fighting for what is right. The Marcos Jr. regime, along with capitalists, wants to maintain these practices to continue exploiting people]
She added that despite such harassment, she will not cow down.
“Hindi pa rin ako matatakot. Lalaban pa rin ako para sa mga walang kakayahang lumaban. Magiging boses ako ng mga inaaping manggagawa at mga mamamayan na inaapi. Lumaban at makibaka!” Banga concluded.
[I will never be afraid. I will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I will be the voice of oppressed workers and oppressed citizens. Let’s fight and struggle!]
Under Banga’s guidance, 26 UH workers have been regularized upon passing the implementation agreement. Banga along with UHWU are still working to secure the clothing allowance, educational assistance, and management recognition in their CBA.
