By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Local labor group General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) expressed concerned over the possible repression of labor rights after President Rodrigo Duterte stated the possibility of including the Visayas islands under Martial Law.
In a text message from GAWA Secretary-General Wennie Sancho, he said the rights of the labor sector, particularly those who are organized, are in danger, despite the administration assuring they will respect labor rights according to the 1987 constitution.
“Our freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly will be in peril because permits are required before we can hold any protest rallies,” Sancho explained.
He stated the government has the prerogative to disapprove protest permits, and, moreover, the rights of workers to conduct a strike could also be dismissed on the ground that services or products involved in establishments are indispensable to national interest or security.
Sancho added, under martial rule, strikes are illegal and workers may be dismissed from their jobs.
“[The] violation of labor rights are the things we dread the most,” he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Duterte stated he might expand the coverage of Martial Law to the Visayas due to concerns terror groups may expand activities outside Mindanao.
Duterte earlier declared Mindanao under Martial Law after members of the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups attempted a takeover of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur./WDJ