On March 23, 2022, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) published an article with the headline “‘There is no such thing as red-tagging’: NTF-ELCAC spox” where Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said that the term ‘red-tagging’ is just a tool of the CPP-NPA-NDF to silence those who speak against them and does not endanger the life, liberty, and security of people who get red-tagged.

CLAIM:
Red-tagging is not a threat to life, Badoy claims 

RATING: FALSE

FACTS:         

Recently, three sets of complaints were filed against Badoy for the series of red-tagging attacks she committed. According to the complainants, Badoy used her social media accounts to tag ordinary people and activists as “communists.” The complaints further asserted that as Badoy is a spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC which was established by the national government, she violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Omnibus Election Code.

Contrary to Badoy’s claim that red-tagging doesn’t cause any harm, it has been well-documented that victims of red-tagging not only receive threats, but also end up getting killed. A recent case involves volunteer teacher Chad Booc and Gelejurain Ngujo II, and community health worker Elgyn Balonga who were killed in Davao de Oro on February 23. The 10th Infantry Division claimed that they were killed in an encounter. But several locals in the area said that what transpired was actually a massacre. Prior to the incident, Booc and his companions have been subject to various forms of red-tagging.

Records from human rights group Karapatan show that in 2020 alone, 78 people have been killed because of either red-tagging or anti-terrorism police operations.

While the PNA article asserted that “there is no such thing as red-tagging,” ironically, the article itself tagged several progressive organizations and party-lists as “communist fronts.” 

WHY IT MATTERS:

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said that red-tagging “has proven to be deadly, and it has obstructed the exercise of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms.” Several groups have also emphasized that in the Philippine context, red-tagging can be considered a “death sentence.”

The PNA article has been posted in the agency’s Facebook post, and has now reached reached 1,100 reactions, 90 comments and 75 shares. – Vanessa Adolfo and Jamaica Marciano

Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.

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