ASC and Concerned LGBTQIA+ organizations and allies Strongly Condemn “Operation Supak” and the Arbitrary Arrest, Public Shaming, and Moral Policing of LGBTQIA+ Persons in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur

Background

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC), together with concerned LGBTQIA+ organizations and allies, expresses grave concern and indignation over the reported “Operation Supak” carried out on 11 November 2025 in Barangay Layog, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

According to community accounts and local news reports, barangay officials, barangay tanods, and members of the religious sector forcibly entered private homes of individuals suspected of being LGBTQIA+ or living with same-sex partners. At least two women and several LGBTQIA+ persons were taken from their residences without a warrant, transported to the barangay hall, and subjected to interrogation, moral lectures, and public shaming.

Officials overseeing the operation claimed that same-sex cohabitation is “prohibited” under religious teachings and cited an alleged directive from the municipal mayor to enforce separation of same-sex partners. Individuals were told to end their relationships, warned against “immoral behavior,” and forcibly separated from their partners—an act that has no legal basis under Philippine law.

These events indicate a coordinated moral policing operation targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals, violating their fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, liberty, and equal protection under the law.

Legal Violations and Rights Infringed

 “Operation Supak” constitutes multiple serious violations of national laws, constitutional guarantees, and international human rights standards:

1. The 1987 Philippine Constitution

   1. Article II, Section 11: upholds the dignity of every human person and mandates respect for human rights.

   2. Article III, Section 1: prohibits deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process.

   3. Article III, Section 2: bars warrantless searches and seizures; entering homes and apprehending individuals without a warrant is unconstitutional.

   4. Article III, Section 3: protects privacy of communication and correspondence; coercing individuals to disclose their personal relationships violates this principle.

2. Republic Act No. 9710, Magna Carta of Women: Prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and gender expression, including harassment, humiliation, and denial of rights.

3. Republic Act No. 11313, Safe Spaces Act: Penalizes gender-based harassment and institutional acts that shame, degrade, or discriminate based on SOGIE.

4. Republic Act No. 11054, Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL): Ensures that all BARMM governance must comply with the Philippine Constitution and must not contravene national human rights obligations.

5. International Human Rights Obligations: The Philippines is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects against arbitrary detention, invasion of privacy, and discrimination.

   1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees equality and freedom from persecution.

   2. The Yogyakarta Principles affirm that SOGIESC-based discrimination and moral policing violate international law.

There is no Philippine law that criminalizes same-sex relationships, same-sex cohabitation, or consensual partnerships between adults. Thus, the actions taken under “Operation Supak” are legally baseless and constitute abuse of authority.

ASC and Concerned LGBTQIA+ organizations and allies strongly condemn the actions taken by the local government actors in Pagalungan. We reject any form of moral policing that targets individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or consensual relationships.

We emphasize that religious doctrine cannot override constitutional rights, legal protections, or civil liberties, and that community safety and governance cannot be built on discrimination, coercion, or violations of privacy. Acts of public shaming and forced separation inflict deep psychological harm, reinforce stigma, and endanger the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals in a region already vulnerable to violence and displacement.

Our Demands

To ensure accountability, protection, and justice, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus and Concerned LGBTQIA+ organizations and allies call for:

1. Immediate investigation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) to ascertain responsibility and document the specific violations committed.

2. Administrative sanctions and disciplinary action against barangay officials, law enforcement personnel, and any public officer who authorized or participated in the operation.

3. A public apology and recognition of wrongdoing from the Pagalungan Municipal Government and Barangay Layog leadership.

4. Issuance of clear directives from DILG and MILG explicitly prohibiting: a) moral policing; b) unwarranted entry into private homes; c) actions targeting individuals based on SOGIESC; d) discriminatory enforcement masquerading as “cultural” or “religious” values.

5. Mandatory SOGIESC, gender, and human rights training for all local officials, including barangay councils, police, and community security forces in BARMM.

6. Provision of legal aid, psychosocial support, and protection against retaliation for individuals harmed or threatened as a result of the operation.

7. Sustained monitoring and documentation by civil society organizations, community networks, and national human rights institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus stands in firm solidarity with LGBTQIA+ individuals in Maguindanao del Sur and across the Bangsamoro region. We call on all government institutions to uphold the rule of law, respect diversity, and protect the rights and dignity of every Filipino.

We urge the public to stand with us against discrimination, stigma, and the normalization of violence in the name of “morality.” Equality, justice, and humanity must guide our responses—not fear, prejudice, or misuse of authority.