It has been a bit over three years since President Duterte was elected as President of the Philippines. President Duterte administration authoritarian and repressive policies have surpassed those of the late Dictator Ferdinand Marcos in terms of people jailed and killed.

 

While not initially targeted, the situation for labour activists has now deteriorated with increasing arrests and murders, with many others fearing for their safety. The lexicon of 'Red Tagging' has now become part of the language where labour activists are identified by military and militias.

 

We talk to Wilson Fortaleza, Executive member of the Partido Manggagawa - Labour Party of the Philippines, about the current situation and what steps labour activists are taking to ensure their safety.