A labor coalition is calling for an investigation into the search of a union leader’s home in Laguna, questioning the timing of the police operation days after his union filed a notice of strike over alleged unfair labor practices. 

Ruel Polon, president of the TF Logistics Philippines Workers Union-PMA, said seven police officers he identified as members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) searched his home in Barangay Sinalhan, Santa Rosa City, at around 10:20 p.m. on Nov. 2. 

The officers, allegedly led by Police Capt. Julian Taggad of the Laguna CIDG, presented a search warrant covering a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, and ammunition. 

A copy of the warrant provided to the Mindanao Gold Star Daily identifies Polon as the respondent and bears the number 2026-236. It was issued by Executive Judge Agripino R. Bravo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 55 in Lucena City and dated Oct. 26, 2026. 

Polon said no firearms or ammunition were recovered during the search. He maintained that he does not own any firearms and has never fired a gun. 

The search was conducted with police officers wearing body-worn cameras, while a barangay tanod and kagawad were present, according to the union. 

Polon and NAGKAISA also questioned the evidence presented to the court to establish probable cause for the warrant. The coalition said the basis for the search should be examined, even as the operation was carried out under a court-issued warrant. 

The operation reportedly caused fear and distress among Polon’s family, including his wife, four children, and grandchild. 

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition condemned the incident, saying its timing warranted scrutiny because the union had recently filed a notice of strike over alleged management interference in union activities. 

“Hindi sapat ang pagkakasunod na ito upang patunayang magkaugnay ang dalawang pangyayari, ngunit seryoso itong dahilan upang magtanong at mag-imbestiga. Hindi krimen ang pagiging unyonista,” said NAGKAISA chairperson and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) national president Atty. Sonny Matula. 

The coalition said labor disputes should be addressed through negotiations and established legal processes rather than intimidation. 

Polon also reported a similar experience in 2021, when he was allegedly red-tagged after the union filed a notice of strike over the dismissal of several officers, including himself. 

The union says he and the other officers were later reinstated after conciliation and mediation. 

In 2026, the union again filed a notice of strike, this time over alleged management interference in its activities and efforts to divide its officers and members. 

The union accused management of unfair labor practices, allegations that have yet to be independently established. 

Labor coalition seeks investigation 

NAGKAISA called on the Philippine National Police and CIDG to explain the basis and conduct of the operation, identify the officers involved, and preserve all relevant records and video footage. 

It also urged authorities to interview Polon, his family, and witnesses to establish what happened during the search and examine how the certification of orderly search was signed. 

The coalition asked the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Inter-Agency Committee led by the Office of the Executive Secretary under Executive Order 23 to investigate the incident. 

It also sought an assessment of the family’s safety and measures to protect Polon, his relatives and fellow union members. 

The coalition said it should refer any substantiated misconduct to the proper authorities. 

The Mindanao Gold Star Daily sought comment from the Laguna CIDG on the search, the evidence supporting the warrant, and the conduct of the operation, but had received no response as of publication. 

TF Logistics management’s response to the union’s allegations was also not immediately available. 

Mindanao labor leaders raise concern 

The incident has also drawn concern from labor leaders outside Laguna. 

Joel Tongco, FFW deputy vice president for Mindanao and president of the Macajalar Labor Union (MLU) in the Cagayan de Oro port area, said the case could send a chilling message to union leaders elsewhere in the country. 

“A threat of arrest against a union leader in Laguna sends a chilling message to union leaders in Cagayan de Oro and everywhere else,” Tongco said. 

He noted that the Philippines has repeatedly been included among the world’s 10 worst countries for workers in the International Trade Union Confederation’s Global Rights Index. 

Although the country moved off the list in 2026, it remains on the watchlist, Tongco said. 

“We must stand together and remain vigilant against threats and intimidation,” he added. 

NAGKAISA said the investigation should determine whether the operation was properly conducted and whether any misconduct occurred. 

“May search warrant man, nararapat pa ring suriin ang batayan at paraan ng pagpapatupad nito. Hinihingi namin ang isang mabilis, malaya, at masusing imbestigasyon,” said Judy Ann Chan Miranda, secretary-general of Partido Manggagawa. 

“Ang pag-uunyon ay karapatan; ang pananakot ay walang puwang sa ugnayang paggawa,” she added.