Masking Activism: The Struggle Against Red-Tagging and the Cost of Speaking Up

by Kelly Mae Ablaza, Yaela Klara Adona, Ana Rhea Sivillena

Red tagging has emerged as a contentious and deeply troubling issue in the Philippines, casting a long and dark shadow over communities and individuals. This practice, which involves labeling individuals or groups as communist rebels or sympathizers, often without credible evidence, has far-reaching consequences for the nation’s social fabric. As red tagging proliferates, its detrimental effects on communities become increasingly evident, creating an atmosphere of fear, distrust, and stifling dissent.

To understand the gravity of red tagging in the Philippines, one must trace its roots back to a tumultuous period in the country’s history. The term “red” originates from the communist movement, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). During the martial law era under Ferdinand Marcos, activists, dissenters, and those perceived as threats to the regime were indiscriminately labeled as communists. This historical context sets the stage for the contemporary manifestation of red tagging, where individuals and groups advocating for various causes are unfairly branded as enemies of the state.

Red tagging in the Philippines operates as a dangerous tool often wielded by those in power to silence dissent and suppress opposition. Individuals critical of government policies, activists, human rights defenders, and even ordinary citizens expressing dissenting opinions may find themselves subjected to this stigmatizing label. The accusations are typically disseminated through various channels, including state-sponsored social media accounts, public statements, and even official government documents.

The impact of red tagging is profound and far-reaching, particularly in its chilling effect on activism and dissent. Fear of being labeled a communist sympathizer or rebel creates an atmosphere of self-censorship, stifling the very essence of democracy. Activists advocating for social justice, environmental causes, or human rights face an increasingly perilous environment. Many activists have reported threats, harassment, and even violence, forcing them to operate in the shadows or abandon their causes altogether.

Individuals and groups tagged as communists often endure severe personal consequences. Stigmatization can lead to social ostracization, strained relationships, and even threats to personal safety. Families of those red-tagged also bear the brunt of this unfounded accusation, facing discrimination and isolation within their communities. The toll on mental health is undeniable, as the constant fear of reprisal and the weight of being labeled a threat to the state takes an emotional toll on those targeted.

Red tagging poses a grave threat to civil society and human rights in the Philippines. Organizations advocating for marginalized groups, environmental protection, and human rights often find themselves under scrutiny. The labeling of these groups as communist fronts undermines their credibility and legitimacy, making it easier for authorities to clamp down on their activities. This not only hampers the work of these organizations but also weakens the overall fabric of civil society, eroding the checks and balances crucial for a healthy democracy.

Red tagging contributes to the erosion of trust in institutions, as accusations are often wielded for political purposes. The blurring of lines between legitimate activism and subversion leads to a pervasive sense of paranoia, with individuals questioning the motives of their peers and even community leaders. The trust deficit extends to law enforcement and government institutions, where accusations of red tagging are sometimes perceived as tools to quell dissent rather than ensuring national security.

The rise of social media has exacerbated the impact of red tagging in the Philippines. False accusations spread rapidly through online platforms, amplifying the reach and intensity of red tagging.

State-sponsored disinformation campaigns further contribute to the proliferation of false narratives, making it challenging for the public to discern fact from fiction. The weaponization of social media as a tool for red tagging not only damages reputations but also deepens societal divisions.

The legal implications of red tagging in the Philippines are complex and often fraught with challenges. While there are laws in place to protect freedom of expression and association, the vague language in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 has raised concerns. Critics argue that the broad definition of terrorism could be weaponized to target individuals.

Red- Tagging in the Philippines

In the heart of the Philippines, a contentious issue grips the nation as red-tagging takes center stage.

Many people dive into the shadows of political labeling, exploring the impact on individuals like Kristel Asilom and her personal life, unraveling the complexities of this polarizing phenomenon.

Red-tagging in the country is dangerous and has negatively impacted social justice and human rights. It involves labeling activists and centers them as enemies of the state, creating a prevalent climate of fear that risks the safety and lives of those advocating for change.

The consequences of red-tagging extend beyond immediate threats. It severely undermines trust in the government and uniformed men who should be protecting the citizens but instead stifles the voices of those striving for a more just society.

Activists unfairly branded as threats to national security face not only physical danger but also paint them as the enemy of the nation, dismantling their credibility and causes.

Living under constant threat takes a psychological toll on activists and their families, impacting their mental health and well-being, causing a massive stake in their personal lives and unwarranted fear caused by being under surveillance all the time.

As red-tagging persists, it destroys the fundamental values of a society that seeks to uphold justice and equality.

Cases of Red-tagging in the country

According to the Human Rights Foundation (2023), numerous journalists, activists, and human rights defenders have died after being red-tagged since 2016. Journalists, activists, and human rights organizations have urged the incoming president-elect to stop this practice before the May 2022 national election. However, systematic persecution and red-tagging persist.

Additionally, the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte’s administration progressively reverted to authoritarianism between 2016 and 2022. He threatened to put human rights activists to death and instituted several oppressive laws.

In his well-publicized “war on drugs,” at least 12,000 people — mostly urban poor people — lost their lives. 2,555 of the murders were committed by the Philippines National Police.

To intimidate government critics, Duterte also reinstated and strengthened red-tagging. At the end of his tenure, 442 people had been killed extrajudicially, the majority of whom had been red-tagged by the government, and there were 801 political prisoners.

With the goal of “ending 50 years of deceit, lies, and atrocities committed by communist terrorists against the Filipino people,” Duterte issued Executive Order 70 in December 2018. As part of his Whole-of-Nation Approach, the regime established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict throughout the nation (NTF-ELCAC), which will receive funding of 1.7 billion pesos ($31.2 million) by 2020.

Press releases, speeches, and posts on social media by the government all have the Task Force red-tagged. Because the NFT-ELCAC Facebook page has about 191,000 followers, it can reach a sizable portion of the public with regularly scheduled red-tagging posts.

Based on the study of the Human Rights Foundation (2023), Marcos Jr. is carrying out a campaign of red-tagging. He named retired military general Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, who is close to Duterte, as the executive director of NTF-ELCAC in October. Despite strong opposition, the Philippines Congress nevertheless gave the “anti-communist” task force 10 billion pesos ($178.5 million) in December.

Who is Kristel Asilom?

Kristel Asilom is an alumna of Bulacan State University who studied Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.

Her activism started in 2018. She joined the political party STAND BulSU and the mass organization Anakbayan BulSU, where she eventually became its chairperson.

Asilom was also a mental health advocate. She amplified the students’ calls during her term as BulSU Student Government senator and Mental Health Coalition chairperson, A.Y 2019–2020.

She is now a member of Anakbayan Bulacan. She still persists in seeking justice and accountability. She still protests to amplify the people’s demands.

Proofs of red-tagging (Kristel Asilom’s story)

Red-tagging activists and human rights defenders

Randall “Randy” Echanis, a longtime human rights advocate and land rights activist, was killed in his hometown in 2020. There were several reported stab wounds and gunshot wounds on his body. Echanis was an outspoken opponent of the Anti-Terrorism Act before his passing.

Additionally, Angelo Karlo “AK” Guillen received numerous threats and red tags. Guillen fought against the Anti-Terrorism law for many years and represented Native Americans in high-profile cases, such as the nine that ended up dead at the hands of law enforcement in December 2020. His image was used in posters around Iloilo City in December 2018, misleadingly identifying him as a part of the NPA, a terrorist organization that the Philippine government has designated as such.

Red tagging and acts of violence motivated by gender have also affected female activists. Sarah Elago is a politician and activist who has been the target of repeated attacks from online trolls who claim she is a member of the communist groups attempting to topple the government.

Her name has been falsely associated with the NPA in at least 14,000 Facebook posts over the past few years. Many people have shared the posts, with comments encouraging violence and demanding that Elago be killed or raped.

Cost of Speaking Up

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in targeting and attacks on activists through reg tagging. Often, individuals and groups engaged in peaceful activism are wrongly associated with communist or leftist organizations without substantial evidence.

Being subjected to red-tagging and constantly being under surveillance by uniformed men, on top of receiving death threats, the authorities put the safety and security of Kristel at risk.

In an interview, she says being scared and fearing for her life causes her to be paranoid and never put her guard down, even as she sleeps.

“Natutulog ako na may kutsilyo sa ilalim ng unan ko tapos hindi ko siya inalis kumbaga nga ano eh, nakaka-paranoid nung ano mga panahon na ‘yon kasi nga may terror bill, sunod-sunod ‘yung pag-atake sa mga aktibista,” Kristel says.

In 2019 Kristel Assilom along with her co-activist received a death thread. The messages says: “Nasa paligid-ligid lang ako nagmamasid sa inyong lahat handang gilitan ang ulo at braso ninyo. Magkita-kita na lang tayo sa daan at maghanda sa kamatayan niyong lahat.”

Kristel name was also specifically mentioned where the message says: “Kristel tandaan mo at ng mga kasama mo, kahit anumang oras ay kaya ko kayong patumbahin, tatlong putok ng bala sa ulo at dibdib mo, malapit na kayong mawala.”

Kristel’s house was visited by uniformed men countless times, dating from 2018 until later this year. In an interview, Kristell re-tells the story of one of the most daunting experiences she has had dealing with uniformed men.

In 2020, Kristel was told by uniformed men that she was under surveillance, as her house was also visited, and the authorities talked to her parents.

“Nag seminar ‘yung NTF-ELCAC sa barangay namin tapos pinasundo ‘yung parents ko sa bahay namin para padaluhin sila sa seminar. Wala naman red-tagging na nangyari don sa seminar pero ‘yung fact na inabot na kailangang ipasundo ‘yung parents ko padaluhin — actually i-brainwash at ‘yung fact na under surveillance nga raw ako. Kumbaga it says a lot eh, ‘di ba parang form na rin ‘yun ng red-tagging also intimidation,” Kristel said.

Last month, Kristel’s house was again visited by six military men; the authorities visited her relatives’ house as the believed uniformed men asked about Kristel, which happened on November 13.

Throughout her five-year journey as an activist, Kristel has faced numerous encounters with uniformed men, which resulted in challenges in her personal life due to being subjected to red-tagging.

Kristel’s experience and that of other activists, such as the case of Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, who reportedly have been abducted by military men and have been held captive, shows just how attacks on activists plummeted just this year alone.

The enormous effect of red-tagging on the right to free speech and the quest for social justice has caused a damaging impact on the rights of individuals, not just to freedom of expression but this practice has interfered with their privacy and security where activists like Kristel Assilom’s personal life has been put in jeopardy.

“Yung effect niya sa’kin ‘yung trauma talaga, hindi na siya mawawala. I don’t know, kumbaga… around 2020 ‘yung ano sunod-sunod na red-tagging sa’kin. Tapos kasagsagan din siya ng pagkapasa ng terror bill tapos sunod-sunod din ‘yung pag-atake sa mga aktibista non, sunod-sunod ‘yung pagpatay sa aktibista. ‘Yun ‘yung panahon na sunod-sunod siya, malala ‘yung pag-atake,” Kristel says.

Red tagging, unwarranted surveillance, and house visits are examples of intimidation tactics utilized by uniformed men and authorities. Kristel’s experience is just one of many cases where activists face harassment for speaking out for their beliefs and fighting for social justice. Such actions violate their privacy and undermine the rule of law.

The attacks endanger activists’ lives and deliberately violate the fundamental rights granted in Article III of the Philippine Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights.

As the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines or Republic Act 1987 Article III, Section 4, of the Philippine Constitution states:

‘No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government to redress grievances.’

This section of the Bill of Rights protects the activists’ rights to express their opinions, gather peacefully, and seek solutions from the government for the issues they advocate for or oppose without undue restriction and interference.

The government is responsible for defending the rights of activists as enshrined in the Constitution and upholding the principles of the rule of law. Intimidation tactics used by red taggers and authorities are not only a violation of privacy but also an affront to the rule of law.

It is crucial to take measures that would investigate and hold accountable those responsible for unjustly red-tagging individuals without proper evidence or legal basis. Ensuring the rights of activists is essential not only for upholding democratic principles but also for promoting social justice and equality in the country.

References:

Cabico, G. (2023, September 19). Green activists say they were abducted by military, deny surrender. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/19/2297469/green-activists-say-they-were-abducted-military-deny-surrender/amp/

Saucedo, N. (2023, April 10). Red-tagging in the Philippines: A license to kill. Human Rights Foundation. https://hrf.org/red-tagging-in-the-philippines-a-license-to-kill/

The 1987 constitution of the Republic of the Philippines — article II … (n.d.). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-ii/