Groups Decry Military Red-Tagging of Former UPV Students

By Juliane Judilla

Human rights and youth groups condemned alleged military surveillance and red-tagging of two former student leaders from the University of the Philippines Visayas.

The National Union of People’s Lawyers Panay and Kabataan Party-list Panay issued separate statements denouncing the Philippine Army’s intelligence unit for allegedly targeting Thea Kryshna Dayata and Audrey Eurielle Dayata, both known youth organizers.

On June 22, a relative of the sisters was approached by military intelligence personnel who reportedly revealed they had collected personal information, including photos, academic records, and campus affiliations, the groups said.

The agents allegedly linked the sisters to the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front and urged the relative to persuade them to end their activism.

Thea currently serves as chairperson of Kabataan Party-list Panay, while Audrey, a law student at UPV, is an active member of NUPL Law Students.

Both previously led the UPV University Student Council in academic years 2023 and 2024 and were members of Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan.

NUPL Panay called the incident a “textbook case of red-tagging,” warning it is a dangerous tactic to silence dissent.

“Red-tagging violates constitutionally guaranteed rights to organize, express political beliefs, and serve the people,” the group said in a statement.

“Labeling legal organizations as terrorist fronts is not only unethical and unconstitutional—it is deadly.”

“This is not just an attack on two individuals,” the group added.

“It is a direct assault on all youth leaders and civic organizations working for truth, justice, and democratic rights.”

The group cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Deduro v. Vinoya (G.R. No. 254753, July 4, 2023), which recognized that red-tagging and labeling undermine the right to life, liberty, and security.

“Being a student activist is not a crime,” the group emphasized.

“Organizing among the youth is not terrorism. Expressing dissent is not rebellion.”

The incident follows a report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, who called for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Khan’s report noted that red-tagging has been used to criminalize and harass civilians.

Kabataan Party-list Panay echoed the call, warning against state-instilled fear in academic and community spaces.

“Schools are not spaces for endangering students. Communities are not spaces for instilling fear,” the group said.

“If youth speak out and demand their rights, it is because the government has failed to guarantee their freedom and dignity. This is democracy in action.”

The group urged students and the public to resist military intimidation and defend democratic spaces from repression.

In response, NUPL Panay and Kabataan Party-list are demanding an impartial investigation into the harassment and surveillance of the Dayata sisters.

They also call for accountability of military personnel involved, protective measures for affected activists, the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, and a public affirmation that student activism is a constitutional right.

Despite threats, both groups vowed to continue advocating for the safety and rights of youth leaders and to hold the military accountable.