US joins PH in condemning slay of trade union leader
THE United States joined the Philippine government in condemning the murder of Alex Dolorosa, trade union leader and LGBTQI+ activist in the Philippines, the US Department of State Office of the Spokesperson said yesterday.
“We welcome the Philippine government’s condemnation of the attack and its commitment to thoroughly investigate and to hold the perpetrators accountable. We join with the Philippine government in underscoring that impunity is unacceptable.”
Dolorosa, 35, was a call center agent in Bacolod City and became a paralegal and union leader with BPO Industry Employees Network Philippines (BIEN), an organization that helps call center workers exercise their rights and organize to improve their job conditions.
“We extend our condolences to Dolorosa’s family and friends, as well as the greater international labor union and LGBTQI+ communities who loved him,” the State Department said.
Dolorosa went missing on Friday (April 21, 2023).
Three days later, his body was found with multiple stab wounds at Purok Villa Rosario in Barangay Alijis.
His motorcycle, mobile phone, and other belongings were missing.
The Commission on Human Rights said Dolorosa had been helping fellow workers in four labor cases a few days before his violent death.
He actively joined campaigns for labor rights and his union was allegedly subjected to surveillance and
red-tagging.
