The Commission on Human Rights has flagged a barangay operation in Maguindanao del Sur where adult same-sex couples were forcibly separated. The agency vows to investigate the incident, citing violations of LGBTQIA rights and national laws. A barangay official justified the action based on religious grounds.
In a recent incident in Maguindanao del Sur, adult same-sex couples living together were compelled to separate during a barangay operation. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) took notice through a news report and a Facebook post, describing how the couples were forced to attend the barangay hall.
The CHR quoted a recorded interview where a barangay official stated, “Same-sex adult couples living together were forcibly separated... the actions of the couples are prohibited in the laws of men and much more prohibited by Islam.” In response, the CHR, acting as Gender Ombud, has started an investigation via its CHR-XII office, coordinating with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission.
This operation unlawfully targeted individuals based on perceived sexual orientation, violating the rights of LGBTQIA persons. The CHR noted potential breaches of several national and international laws, including the Safe Spaces Act, which addresses gender-based sexual harassment such as homophobic and transphobic behavior.
“There is no Philippine law that prohibits women from living with women, or men from living with men,” the CHR emphasized. Although religious practices are protected, the Philippines operates as a secular state, and religion cannot excuse government actions discriminating against people due to their sexual orientation.
The investigation aims to address these concerns and ensure accountability for the rights infringement.