CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has condemned the violent dispersal of workers at Asia Brewery, Inc. and the sudden termination of 139 contractual employees without prior notice.
The incidents, which occurred on the eve of Holy Week, have drawn strong criticism from labor advocates for their cruelty and disregard for workers’ rights.
Security forces reportedly met picketing workers with violence, while management dismissed another group of contractual employees without warning, sparking outrage from labor groups and religious communities alike.
FFW President Atty. Sonny Matula described the events as “deeply disturbing,” noting that for many workers, the suffering they endure mirrors the very hardships commemorated during Holy Week.
“The Passion of Christ is not only observed in prayers or rituals; it is felt by many workers daily in the form of humiliation, insecurity, and injustice,” Matula said.
Labor experts warn that the Philippines continues to rank among the worst countries for workers’ rights.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has documented 105 trade union killings since 2016 without a single conviction. Furthermore, the 2025 State of Freedom of Association Report reveals that labor rights violations now occur at least once per week.
The violent dispersal involved members of the Package World Inc—Workers Independent Union, who were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
Danilo A. Laserna, FFW Vice-President for Education and Training, called on the Private Security Industry Tripartite Council (PSITC) to issue an official condemnation and ensure that private security agencies respect limits defined under Executive Order No. 97, Series of 2025.
FFW also condemned the abrupt termination of 139 Asia Brewery contractual workers, describing the move as legally questionable and morally unacceptable.
Affected workers have taken to picket lines, demanding justice and fair treatment.
“This is not an isolated case,” FFW emphasized. “It reflects a pattern of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful dismissal against workers who exercise their rights to organize and protest," they said adding that workers are entitled to rights, remedies, and respect—not silent martyrdom.
FFW urges Asia Brewery management to engage in good faith dialogue and calls for a full investigation by the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) under the Philippine National Police (PNP) to hold all responsible parties accountable.
The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of all working people, and insisted that the government safeguard freedom of association in practice, not just in executive orders.
