By Last April 25, state forces reportedly visited the home of Florence Guzon, a youth leader and Secretary General of Kabataan Partylist Negros, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, without a legal search warrant. During the visit, they questioned Guzon’s mother about his personal information and whereabouts. Additionally, the state agents implied Guzon’s connections to the New People’s Army (NPA). They further requested access to Guzon’s room to photograph his belongings, using the presence of nationalist and progressive readings as evidence linking him to the NPA.
Kabataan Partylist Negros vehemently condemned the alleged intimidation, psychological harassment, and illegal surveillance by state forces against their leader. In a statement, the group asserted, “These actions by the state forces are a clear violation of Guzon’s constitutionally guaranteed rights. This has also caused psychological distress not only to Guzon but also to his family.”
The group highlighted Guzon’s dedication as a student leader and journalist at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, advocating tirelessly for academic freedom, SOGIE rights, and social justice.
In an interview with Dampig Katarungan, Guzon expressed his disappointment towards the state forces, stating, “It’s saddening for me to receive these kinds of attacks when all along what I have been doing is representing the concerns of the youth in Negros Island so they’re given a spotlight in the Philippine Congress.” He emphasized the need to persevere in defending democratic spaces despite the threats.
According to the group, Guzon’s situation is not isolated, as cases of intimidation, harassment, and red-tagging against youth leaders nationwide continue to escalate. Kabataan Partylist – Negros called for the abolition of NTF-ELCAC and to stop the illegal surveillance of and harassment towards Florence Guzon and other progressive youth leaders./PT
