MANILA — Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) has urged authorities to free an agricultural workers’ organizer arrested in Negros Occidental and called for an independent investigation into the killing of another organizer, citing risks faced by those working in rural communities.

KMU pressed for the immediate release of Julie Ann Balora, who was arrested on April 22 in Talisay, Negros Occidental. The group also demanded justice for Errol Wendel, who was killed in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Balora serves as a National Council member of the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) and is an organizer under the National Federation of Sugar Workers. Wendel, meanwhile, was a staff member and organizer of UMA’s national office.

According to KMU, the two incidents illustrate the dangers faced by organizers in the countryside, particularly those working with agricultural laborers in remote areas.

“Sina Errol at Julie Ann ay mga kabataang mas pinili maglinkod sa mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid dahil alam nilang sila ang pinaka-inaapi. Dahil gusto nilang palakasin ang boses ng mga kababayan nating ninanakawan ng lupa, pinapalayas sa kanilang mga komunidad, at tinututukan ng armas ng gubyerno ni Marcos.” KMU Chairperson Jerome Adonis said.

The group also raised concerns over the conditions of agricultural workers, noting that wages in the sector remain among the lowest under Republic Act 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Law. It added that alleged violations of minimum wage standards are more prevalent in rural areas, where it said grievance mechanisms of the Department of Labor and Employment are limited.

“Inabandona na ng gubyerno ang mga Pilipino sa kanayunan. Lalo na ang mga manggagawa sa hacienda at plantasyon na minsa’y sumasahod ng literal na barya, binibilad sa init buong araw, at dumadanas ng pinakamalalang atake sa karapatan.” Adonis added.

KMU also encouraged workers to participate in Labor Day mobilizations to push for freedom of association, the right to organize, and better working conditions.