The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed grave concern over an alleged local operation in Maguindanao del Sur that targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community, actions it says violate fundamental human rights.
Details of the Alleged Operation
According to a report from 89.3 Brigada News FM Cotabato City on November 11, 2025, officials in Barangay Layog, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, carried out an initiative referred to as 'Operation Supak'. The report alleged that barangay officials, acting on instructions from the City Mayor, went to the homes of individuals perceived to be lesbian or gay.
These individuals were compelled to report to the barangay hall. Furthermore, same-sex adult couples who were living together were reportedly forcibly separated.
In a recorded interview cited by the CHR, a barangay official justified the actions by stating that the conduct of the couples is 'prohibited in the laws of men and much more prohibited by Islam.'
CHR's Legal and Human Rights Assessment
In its official statement, the CHR strongly condemned the alleged operation. The commission underscored that 'actions of this nature violate the dignity and rights of LGBTQIA persons,' and that they 'unlawfully target individuals based on perceived sexual orientation.'
The CHR detailed that such conduct subjects LGBTQIA+ individuals to harassment, discrimination, and violations of their rights to privacy and personal security. It emphasized that the reported actions may breach both constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, specifically citing:
- The equal protection of laws
- The principles of non-discrimination
- The right to privacy and freedom from arbitrary interference (as outlined in the UDHR and ICCPR)
On the domestic front, the commission pointed out that no Philippine law prohibits women from living with women or men from living with men. Instead, it highlighted that existing legislation like the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) penalizes gender-based sexual harassment, including homophobic behavior. The Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) also prohibits discrimination against women, including on the basis of sexual orientation.
Accountability and Ongoing Investigation
Reiterating that the Philippines is a secular state, the CHR stated that while freedom of religion is paramount, it 'cannot justify actions of government officials, using government resources and facilities to target individuals because of their perceived sexual orientation.'
The commission noted that public officials are bound by the rule of law and must uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The CHR has commenced an investigation into this case through its CHR-XII office and is working closely with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission. It also urged the Presidential Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs to continue its response and ensure inter-agency coordination for protection and support services.
Furthermore, the commission called on the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) to:
- Inquire into the legal basis of the officials' actions
- Reach out to the affected individuals
- Ensure 'administrative or criminal accountability, where warranted'
As the Gender Ombud, the CHR reaffirmed that 'All persons, regardless of SOGIESC, are entitled to equality, dignity, and protection under the law. Acts that target individuals for who they are or whom they love have no place in a society that upholds human rights.'
As of the writing of the original report, neither the Maguindanao del Sur provincial governor nor the Bangsamoro government had issued a formal statement in response to the allegations or the CHR's position.
