IP groups, rights advocates condemn red-taggers’ party-list bid
October 13, 2024

By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—Indigenous groups and rights advocates have condemned the congressional bid of individuals known for red-tagging indigenous peoples (IP) and activists, calling on the Commission on Elections to disqualify the group from the upcoming polls.

The Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu) is pushing for the disqualification of the Epanaw Sambayanan Party-list, saying its nominees endanger indigenous communities and expose them to state violence.

The party-list nominees—Marlon Bosantog, Lorraine Badoy, and Jeffrey Celiz—are known for their roles in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and their involvement in red-tagging.

“The nominees of Epanaw have no right to represent Indigenous Peoples. Their reckless red tagging has put IP leaders, organizations, and communities at risk,” said Katribu National Convener Beverly Longid.

Red-tagging, which involves accusing individuals or groups of being linked to communist rebels, is internationally recognized as a form of political vilification. In May, the Supreme Court ruled that “red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security.”

Undermining the party-list system

Longid also said that the bid of Epanaw undermines the party-list system meant to represent marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples.

Election watchdog Kontra Daya identified Epanaw as one of the party-lists backed by the NTF-ELCAC in the 2022 national elections.

Bosantog, the party’s first nominee, previously served as the NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Legal Affairs and IP Concerns and was the regional director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera (NCIP-CAR). During his term, the NCIP-CAR red-tagged those who opposed the Gened I hydropower project in Apayao. The Isnags of Kabugao town declared Bosantog and other NCIP-CAR officials persona non grata for allegedly manipulating the consent process for the project.

Badoy, the second nominee, is a former undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and a prominent NTF-ELCAC figure. She hosted the program *Laban Kasama ang Bayan* alongside Celiz, Epanaw’s third nominee. The two are well-known for accusing activists and journalists of being members or supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), not sparing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong from their accusations.

False representation

Sandugo—Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples Alliance—has also raised concerns about the Epanaw nominees’ history of human rights abuses.

“It is alarming that these nominees, who have actively targeted Indigenous Peoples under the guise of national security, now seek to represent the sector,” said Amirah Lidasan, Sandugo spokesperson.

She said that Bosantog cannot claim to represent indigenous peoples while violating their rights.

“The bombings of Lumad communities and the killing of Lumad volunteer teachers, which (Badoy) rejoiced at, are few of the many cases that underscore the dangers posed by such false rhetoric,” Lidasan added.

Human rights group Karapatan also denounced Epanaw, its nominees, and other controversial candidates, including former President Rodrigo Duterte. Karapatan said these candidates are part of a larger agenda that threatens vulnerable communities through red-tagging and militarization.

“Philippine elections, already known for being noisy and chaotic, will become even more dangerous with the entry of this group of murderers and red taggers,” the group said.

Karapatan warned that allowing such individuals into Congress could lead to more violence and misuse of public funds. They urged the public to reject candidates and party-lists linked to state-sponsored violence. # nordis.net

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