Deped protects ACT members from PNP profiling

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Cagayan de Oro has assured teachers it will protect their information following the alleged profiling of teachers under the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Northern Mindanao.

In a letter sent by DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Jonathan Dela Peña, he said he abides and follows the DepEd memorandum that directs officials and employees to refer interagency requests for data to the Office of the Secretary.

Ophelia Tabacon, ACT-Normin president has earlier requested the DepEd for protection after a police officer went to the school

she was assigned, asking for a list of teachers who are members of ACT.

Dela Peña meanwhile ordered the school principals here to refer any requests of the teachers’ personal information to the Office of Secretary.

“Nalipay mi, at least they stand for the teachers especially nga siya ang maong pinaka head so nakakita mi ug kakampi,” she said.

“Amo sad na justify that ACT is really a legitimate organization nga dili angayan himoon nga subject of surveillance because even our superintendent acknowledged our union as legitimate, and even partners for the advancement of teachers,” Tabacon said.

Tabacon said so far, she has not monitored any profiling on teachers in the city.

Tabacon reiterated that profiling “in a way to threaten ACT members is a clear violation of the right to self-organization, freedom of expression and assembly and right to privacy.” PJ Orias