Several labor groups have called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release imprisoned labor activists.

According to a report by RH Boy Gonzales, the call came as protesters held a picket in front of the DOJ offices along Padre Faura, Manila, on Monday.

The demonstration was led by the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), along with various unions under the Free Our Unionists network, to mark the eighth year of imprisonment of Maoj Maga.

Maga is a labor organizer affiliated with Kilusang Mayo Uno and the Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide. According to the groups, Maga was arrested on February 22, 2018, in San Mateo, Rizal.

While charges of illegal possession of firearms against him have already been dismissed, he reportedly remains in jail over a murder case that the groups claim is fabricated.

The labor organizations also said Maga has been a victim of red-tagging and policies from the previous administration under former President Rodrigo Duterte targeting activists.

The groups noted that the number of political prisoners from the labor sector has decreased from over 40 at the start of the current administration to 18. They urged President Marcos Jr. to expedite the dismissal of cases and ensure the immediate release of imprisoned labor activists.