Monday, October 26, 2020

Youth groups slam Parlade, support red-tagged celebrities


Youth groups slammed the red-tagging by Lt. Gen Antonio Parlade, commander of the AFP Southern Luzon Command, who threatened and harassed celebrities advocating for human rights. Liza Soberano was warned by Parlade after participating as a guest in a militant women group’s online forum. Aside from Soberano, Parlade also red-tagged Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Angel Locsin, whose sister was alleged as an underground activist in Quezon.

 

“We are all Liza, Catriona and Angel. Advocating for women's rights is not an act of terrorism nor a sign of being a member of a terrorist group. Speaking up for the rights of the marginalized and exploited is a right protected by the Constitution. It is impunity when death threats can be thrown at celebrities and activists on the basis of mere suspicion,” said Christine Pangan, Youth Claim Spokesperson. Youth Claim is a youth organization in Cebu composed of college students and community youth who stand for social justice.

 

Meanwhile Jonel Lalvador of Partido Manggagawa-Kabataan, stated that “Parlade's redtagging of Liza Soberano, Catriona Gray and Angel Locsin is the best argument against the Anti-Terror Law and exposes the abuses it will spawn.” PM-Kabataan is the youth wing of the militant labor group.

 

One of the most controversial provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Law is the arrest of suspects without warrant and for mere suspicion, and detention for as long as 24 days. “Activism is not terrorism. It is clear that both are different but the current administration is blurring the distinction. Under the Anti-Terror Law, it is very alarming that activists can easily be red-tagged. Activists use their voice and act upon their goal to bring positive change so Parlade should stop conflating activism with terrorism. Stop red-tagging human rights organizations, religious groups, unions and the mainstream media,” said Pangan.

 

“We have this so-called freedom of expression and there is nothing wrong with it especially when you advocate for a greater good. We support women and everyone who speak out their minds, defend their rights and fight for the betterment of all. The pervasiveness of red-tagging will only worsen the Philippine government's human rights and violations. Now, that we have seen how military has red-tagged public figures, I hope we all realized how life-threatening it is especially to those people who lack money, fandom and legal connections to protect them,” asserted Labrador.

 

Pangan insisted that “The flimsy basis of Parlade to accuse Liza Soberano applies to all of us. We must be heard without being labeled terrorists.”


October 26, 2020

No comments: