Filipino Groups in Canada Call for Ban on Jeffrey Celiz

By Juliane Judilla

Several Filipino migrant human rights groups in Canada are urging the Canadian government to declare Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz inadmissible to the country.

The groups claim Celiz has been actively organizing in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario as a nominee for the flagged party-list group Epanaw Sambayanan Partylist.

In a joint letter addressed to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Member of Parliament Jenny Kwan, organizations including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Canada, Migrante Canada, and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP)-Canada expressed alarm over Celiz’s presence.

“Celiz has a documented history of red-tagging, of publicly labeling individuals and organizations as affiliated with communist insurgencies, thus putting activists, human rights defenders, and even journalists at grave risk,” the letter stated.

The groups warned that Celiz’s activities in Canada jeopardize the safety of individuals who fled persecution in the Philippines.

“His ongoing activities in Canada threaten the safety of individuals who sought refuge here from persecution in the Philippines and of Filipino Canadians critical of the Philippine government’s human rights record and policies,” the letter added.

Celiz, who has worked as a TV journalist for SMNI, was accused of using his platform to conduct systematic red-tagging campaigns. SMNI is owned by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for human trafficking and other crimes.

The groups cited a recent landmark ruling by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the Philippines.

The court found Celiz and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy-Partosa guilty of defamation in a case filed by broadcast journalist Atom Araullo.

The RTC ruled that red-tagging poses a threat to life, liberty, and security, marking the first judicial application of the Philippine Supreme Court’s recognition of the dangers associated with the practice.

“The Philippine courts have affirmed that red-tagging is a violation of human rights and a threat to safety,” the letter stated.

The groups presented a legal argument for Celiz’s inadmissibility under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

They cited Sections 34, 35, and 37 of the IRPA, which address involvement in subversion, violence, or activities that endanger public safety; participation in crimes against humanity; and membership in organizations engaged in criminal activities.

The groups argued that Celiz’s actions fall within these provisions, making him ineligible to remain in Canada.

“Given Celiz’s direct role in this practice, his continued presence in Canada contradicts Canada’s commitment to human rights and public safety,” the letter added.

The organizations urged the Canadian government to act swiftly to ensure accountability and protection for victims of red-tagging in Canada.

They emphasized that allowing individuals like Celiz to remain in the country undermines Canada’s principles of human rights and public safety.

“The Philippine courts have affirmed that red-tagging is a violation of human rights and a threat to safety. Given Celiz’s direct role in this practice, his continued presence in Canada contradicts Canada’s commitment to human rights and public safety,” the groups said.

Who Is Jeffrey Celiz?

Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz is a self-proclaimed former member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

He previously worked as a staff member for the NTF-ELCAC, where he became known for red-tagging progressive organizations and individuals.

In Canada, Celiz has been actively organizing in Filipino communities, raising concerns among human rights advocates.

Red-tagging has long been criticized as a dangerous practice that puts lives at risk.

In the Philippines, it has been linked to harassment, arrests, and even killings of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

The Quezon City RTC ruling against Celiz and Badoy-Partosa is seen as a significant step toward holding perpetrators accountable.

However, the practice continues to endanger individuals in the Philippines and abroad, as evidenced by Celiz’s activities in Canada.