MANILA (UCAN): The Diocese of Baguio issued a statement condemning several social media posts on Facebook that accused Bishop Victor Bendico of being a member of “left-leaning” groups including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)—or red-tagged.
“In the recent weeks, we were notified by concerned friends and faithful regarding posts on Facebook associating our dear bishop to an organisation which he does not personally know and deal with. He was addressed in the posts as a supporter of this organisation, for which reason he was red-tagged,” the diocese’s vicar general and spokesperson, Father Rosito Pedro, Jr., said in a statement.
Father Pedro said Bishop Bendico was not linked to any left-wing group that supported violence.
“Baguio Diocese disclaims any links to any right-wing or left-wing groups. The Diocese of Baguio promotes and advocates justice and peace, integrated human development and charity,” the statement said.
Father Pedro emphasised that while the bishop advocated programmes for the poor, it did not mean he was a member of a communist group.
This is not the first time a Church figure has been red-tagged. In June 2020, Missionary Benedictine Sister Mary John Mananzan was labelled a staunch communist supporter by Lorraine Badoy, an official in Duterte’s communications office, who sparked an outcry after saying the Catholic nun deserved a “place of honour” in the terrorist group (Sunday Examiner, July 5).
“A Catholic nun given a place of honour in a communist terrorist organisation. Imagine that.” Badoy said on social media.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended Badoy, claiming it was freedom of expression.
Last year, the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) denounced red-tagging as it could endanger missionaries in the Philippines.
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Several activists have been killed by gunmen after being branded communist sympathisers.
“Red-tagging, accusing individuals and organisations of being communist terrorists, is inimical to democracy and respect for human rights,” the AMRSP said in a statement.
The Diocese of Baguio called for an end to the accusations being aimed at Bishop Bendico.
“Neither the bishop nor the Social Action Commission of the Diocese of Baguio has direct links to any so-called right-wing or left-wing groups and hereby ask those posting on Facebook to stop red-tagging our bishop,” it said.
