The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed “grave concern” over the so-called “Operation Supak” being implemented in Barangay Layog, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur to separate LGBTQIA+ people in relationships and who live together.
As reported by 89.3 Brigada News FM Cotabato City on 11 November 2025, barangay officials, allegedly acting on instructions from the city’s mayor, visited homes of persons perceived to be lesbian or gay. They were compelled to report to the barangay hall, and same-sex adult couples living together were forcibly separated.
In a recorded interview, a barangay official explained that the actions of the couples are prohibited in the laws of men and much more prohibited by Islam.
“CHR underscores that actions of this nature violate the dignity and rights of LGBTQIA+ persons,” the CHR, as Gender Ombud, stated, announcing that it already “commenced investigation of this case through CHR-XII office and in close coordination with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission.”
“The alleged acts unlawfully target individuals based on perceived sexual orientation. They subject members of the LGBTQIA+ community to harassment and discrimination, violation of their rights to privacy, and security of persons. This conduct possibly breaches constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, specifically, the equal protection of laws, the principles of non-discrimination, privacy and freedom from arbitrary interference (UDHR, Art 12; ICCPR, Art. 17).”
The CHR added that, domestically, the targeting of perceived lesbian and gay couples find no legal basis.
“There is no Philippine law that prohibits women from living with women, or men from living with men. Instead, the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313 penalizes gender-based sexual harassment, including homophobic and transphobic behavior, while the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) prohibits discrimination against women, including those on the basis of their sexual orientation.”
The CRH stressed that the Philippines is a secular State.
“While the freedom of religion is paramount, and while the Supreme Court has upheld benevolent neutrality/accommodation in the exercise of individual’s religion, these cannot justify actions of government officials, using government resources and facilities to target individuals because of their perceived sexual orientation. Public officials are governed by the rule of law and are expected to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations in all circumstances.”
The CHR has called on the Presidential Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, under EO 51, to continue its response in relation to the incident, to ensure inter-agency collaboration in providing protection and support services, to prevent further violations and to ensure the safety of LGBTQIA individuals in Maguindanao and across the BARMM.
The CHR similarly called on the Bangsamoro Rights Commission and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) to “exercise its mandate and promptly investigate and inquire on the legal basis of the actions of government officials concerned, reach out to concerned individuals, and to ensure administrative or criminal accountability, where warranted.”
“(T)he CHR stands with LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. All persons, regardless of SOGIESC, are entitled to equality, dignity, and protection under the law. Acts that target individuals for who they are or whom they love have no place in a society that upholds human rights,” CRH ended.
