MANILA (SE): “This decision is a victory for justice and a crucial step for a safer Philippines,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, the president of Caritas Philippines, reacting to the country’s Supreme Court ruling against the practice of ‘red-tagging’, CBCP News reported on May 9. Red-tagging involves labelling and accusing individuals or organizations of being left-leaning, subversive, communist, or terrorist.
The court ruled on May 8 that “red-tagging, vilification, labelling, and guilt by association threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security, which may justify the issuance of a writ of amparo [protection]”
Bishop Bagaforo hailed the ruling as a “game-changer” for human rights defenders and a “crucial step” towards a safer nation.
“Red-tagging has instilled fear and silenced dissent for far too long. The Supreme Court’s ruling sends a clear message that such tactics will not be tolerated,” the bishop said.
CBCP News reported that Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, vice president of the Caritas Philippines—himself a target of red-tagging—said the practice creates a “climate of fear and intimidation.”
Bishop Alminaza remarked, “In my own diocese of San Carlos, I’ve seen how it can discourage people from speaking out on issues affecting the marginalised.”
The Supreme Court’s decision is a crucial step in safeguarding Filipinos who advocate for peace and justice, CBCP News reported the bishop as saying. He added that the ruling is a vindication for the victims of red-tagging.
“For too long, individuals and communities have been silenced and ostracised based on mere accusations,” the bishop said.
“This ruling offers a glimmer of hope and a chance for healing. We urge those who have been red-tagged to seek support and know that they are not alone,” he added.
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Caritas Philippines urged the government and the military to uphold the ruling and ensure the safety of all Filipinos, regardless of their political beliefs.
“We call on all sectors of society to work together to foster a more tolerant and respectful environment where open discourse and dissent are encouraged,” Bishop Bagaforo said.
In its decision, the Supreme Court granted activist, Siegfred Deduro, a writ of amparo, which allows a person to seek various remedies from the courts, such as protection orders.
Deduro, who is also a former Bayan Muna lawmaker, said in his petition that he was tagged by state forces as having links to the communist New People’s Army.
The court stressed that Deduro should not have to “await his own abduction, or worse, death” before the court recognises red-tagging is a serious threat to life.
