In September 2021, Jazmin Minet Aguisanda-Jerusalem of the Leyte Center for Development (LCDE) faced intimidation as farmers were coerced to rally against her NGO, accused of supporting rebels. Despite providing crucial humanitarian aid to thousands, the LCDE's criticism of public services attracted threats, including intimidation and death threats against Minet. The situation worsened when five bank accounts linked to the LCDE were frozen, reflecting the growing crackdown on organizations that highlight government lapses in service. Overall, despite previous awards and a generally robust relationship with government, the NGO found itself increasingly targeted for its advocacy.
The Army even said they will provide transportation and food. As beneficiaries of the LCDE, the farmers were reluctant to attend.
The fact that the LCDE works in arcane mountainous regions of the Philippines where rebel groups also operate had periodically been used as a cudgel by security forces looking for a scapegoat.
By highlighting lapses in public services, the LCDE had occasionally rubbed up against officialdom, and Minet had received regular intimidation and occasional death threats.
What had been a periodic annoyance became crippling last May when five bank accounts of the LCDE and related persons were frozen.
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