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
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