On March 28, a certain Doffer Cabillo posted a live video on his Facebook account where he is seen berating campaign volunteers of Vice President Leni Robredo and asserting that Robredo and her supporters are all “communists.” “Wala kaming pakialam sa red-tagging, komunista talaga kayo maraming ebidensya,” [We don’t care about red-tagging, you are all communists, there’s a lot of evidence.], Cabillo exclaimed.
The Robredo volunteers in the video were in Brgy. Morado, Ilagan City and were distributing pamphlets when Cabillo approached them and took the live video.
CLAIM:
VP Robredo and her volunteers are ‘all communists’
RATING:
FALSE
FACTS:
Robredo has already denied allegations of affiliation with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). In an earlier Facebook post, she said that online posts red-tagging her could be a coordinated online attack on her campaign, as the “timing and script” of the several Facebook and Twitter accounts that posted are similar to each other.
Contrary to Cabillo’s statement that there is a lot of evidence to prove his claim, no substantial evidence has been presented to link Robredo and her campaign with the CPP.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Human rights group Karapatan has explained that red-tagging “equates to a death warrant” as it poses grave danger, especially to community volunteers. The rights group has documented a considerable number of red-tagging cases that led to killings and other forms of human rights violations.
Cabillo’s live video was posted in two parts. The user has already deleted the second part that contained his red-tagging rant. A Robredo volunteer, however, reposted the original video and called for Cabillo to be held to account for his unfounded claims. — Vivian Vera
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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