NEWS | Makabayan bloc condemns red-tagging by NTF-ELCAC, demands accountability
By Miraflor S. Anacio & Angela Manuel
The Makabayan bloc calls for accountability regarding the rampant red-tagging of individuals and progressive groups by government officials, particularly by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The second senate hearing was held today, November 24, and members of the bloc argued that on top of the questionable credibility of the claims against them, continuous red-tagging will only worsen the human rights violations and further undermine public safety in the country.
Makabayan bloc not NPA-CPP-NDFP
The first hearing of the senate probe on the issue of red-tagging was held last November 3, however members of the Makabayan bloc were not able to attend. Upon the request made by Bayan Muna Chairperson and former Representative Neri Colmenares to have a separate hearing without the presence of members of the military, specifically Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the second hearing was held earlier today.
Colmenares, along with Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago from the Makabayan bloc of the House of representatives strongly denied accusations against them and their respective organizations of being members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), or the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
“Tahasan kong sinasabi sa komiteng ito, Mister Chair, na hindi ako miyembro ng CPP, hindi ako rebelde at hindi ako miyembro ng NDFP. Tahasan ko ring pinasisinungalingan na ang aking partido, ang Bayan Muna, ay creation at kontrolado ng CPP. Ang Bayan Muna at ang miyembro ng kolesisyong makabayan sa House of Representatives ay mga lehitimong partido nananiniwala sa paglahok sa parlyamentong pakikibaka para sa pagsulong ng reporma at pagbabago sa ating lipunan,” Zarate explained.
Meanwhile, Colmenares brought to light the questionable credibility of the military’s allegations as their accusations were baseless. It was only supported by substantial and repetitive evidence, relying only on the testimonies of their witnesses, led by self-claimed former rebel Jeffrey Celiz. He pointed out that Celiz’ statements are full of discrepancies, additionally he has no concrete proof linking the Makabayan bloc to CPP.
Several lawmakers also supported Colmenares’ counterattack and reiterated their suspicion on the presented evidence against them.
“If they have credible and admissible proof, then they should file an appropriate case in court, not badmouth us and put our lives in danger,” insisted Teddy Casiño, Spokesperson of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).
Accountability for state-sponsored oppression
In addition, the victims of government-led red-tagging also called out the risks of these accusations to activists, members of opposition, critics of government, and even ordinary Filipino citizens as it results to human rights violations and extrajudicial killings. Elago, one of the targeted personalities, explained this call and emphasized that someone must be held accountable.
“Imbes na bintang, banta, pananakot at pambabastos, pakinggan ninyo ang aming mga boses at tugunan ang aming mga panawagan. Gusto kong ipaalala sa AFP, PNP, NTF-ELCAC na marami ang pinatay, nawala, iligal na inaresto o sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso matapos ang red-tagging,” argued Elago.
Furthermore, Casiño argued that the faulty claims of NTF-ELCAC jeopardizes public safety. “Ito po ang panganib ng red-tagging. Hindi na lamang komunista ang tawag sa amin kung hindi terorista na. Ang problema po hindi po armadong pwersa ang target kung hindi ang mga sibilyan kasama na po diyan si Echanis, Alvarez, at Porquia,” Casiño remarked.
While Cristina Palabay, Karapatan General Secretary, explained that any thought, dissent, watchdog role, and protest on government policies are susceptible to and was met with red-tagging. She then asked, “Ilan pa po ang mamamatay sa aming human rights defender bago matapos ang red-tagging na ito?”
Those involved in today’s hearing were united with one call and that is to stop all forms of red-tagging and for those behind red-tagging to be held accountable.
“I appeal to the honorable members of the Senate to act in due ways to stop this red-tagging and terrorist labeling and to help restore democracy. I appeal to the Senate not to criminalize the citizens’ demands for accountability,” Dr. Jean Lindo, Gabriela Mindanao Chairperson, concluded.
During the session, youth groups also gathered outside the Senate to protest about the militaristic, oppressive, and terroristic approach of the state to youth and citizens
