HUMAN rights groups in Baguio City slammed the Philippine National Police for orders to monitor Cordilleran leaders tagged to be rebels.

Joanna Carino, Windel Bolingit, Jeanette Ribaya Cawading, Joan Carling, United Nations representative for IP Vicky Tauli Corpuz, Beverly Longid and human rights lawyer Jose Molintas were included in a PNP listing apparently leaked through the internet detailing a confidential memorandum of the Police Intelligence Group ordering its regional units to conduct intelligence and submit an updated “summary of information” on individuals tagged as NPA leaders.

Also included in the list are Sherwin De Vera and Eduardo Rimando.

"De Vera, an Ilocano environmental activist, is included in the list along with other well-meaning development workers, lawyers and activists from the Cordillera and Ilocos region," Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA) said in a statement.

Mary Ann Gabayan, IHRA secretary general said they vehemently condemn the act of the PNP, posturing as a higher court that uses its power to surveillance, obtain personal data and profile the wrongly-accused individuals.

“Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra even admitted the DOJ did not verify the names they have listed in the proscription petition yet the PNP uses this to issue a memorandum subjecting our colleagues to further harassment. These fabricated lies and unlawful attacks prove how the Duterte government desperately desires to silence down its critics," Gabaya said.

To date, only Molintas and Corpuz has been removed from the list.