NUPL-Panay condemns ‘red-tagging’ of Dayata sisters

The Panay Chapter of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) has denounced the alleged red-tagging of youth activist Thea Dayata and her sister Audrey Dayata, a law student and officer of NUPL-Panay, calling the incident a renewed attack on civil liberties and democratic participation.

In a public statement, NUPL-Panay condemned what it described as an act of harassment and intimidation, citing accounts that in June 2025, individuals identifying themselves as Philippine Army intelligence operatives approached a relative of the Dayata sisters.

The operatives reportedly warned the family that the sisters’ involvement with Kabataan Partylist and NUPL placed them under suspicion, alleging these organizations were part of a so-called “umbrella” network of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

The agents also allegedly cautioned the sisters against participating in activities such as public protests, which they implied were linked to insurgent activities.

“This is not an isolated incident,” NUPL-Panay said in its statement. “Numerous activists in Panay and throughout the country have been red-tagged, persecuted, and imprisoned on trumped-up charges because of their membership in progressive organizations.”

The organization emphasized that Thea Dayata, who chairs the Kabataan Partylist chapter in Panay, advocates for accessible education and youth rights, while Audrey Dayata works with NUPL-Panay to provide legal support to marginalized communities and to document human rights violations.

According to NUPL-Panay, the red-tagging of the Dayata sisters reflects a broader campaign by the Philippine government to delegitimize and suppress activism under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“The persecution of activists continues under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” the group said. “Red-tagging—defined by the Supreme Court as a threat against life and liberty—remains a reality for members of progressive organizations.”

In March 2023, the Supreme Court of the Philippines recognized that red-tagging can pose a serious threat to individuals’ constitutional rights, opening legal avenues for redress but not yet fully resolving systemic concerns.

Human rights organizations, both local and international, have consistently reported that red-tagging often precedes more serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention on charges such as terrorism, rebellion, or illegal possession of firearms.

In January 2024, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression Irene Khan submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council expressing “grave concern” over the continuing practice of red-tagging in the Philippines, urging the government to ensure the protection of individuals and groups exercising their right to dissent.

“The targets of red-tagging and persecution are those persons and organizations who engage in legitimate and legal activities,” NUPL-Panay asserted. “It is very clear that the goal is to prevent them from carrying out peaceful collective actions that are supposedly protected under our Constitution.”

Groups frequently linked to red-tagging campaigns include Bayan, Gabriela, Anakbayan, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, the League of Filipino Students, and other mass-based formations involved in issues such as labor, education, land reform, and women’s rights.

Thea and Audrey Dayata are now part of what NUPL-Panay calls “a long list” of progressive leaders targeted for their activism, alongside nationally recognized figures like Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel and former Rep. Sarah Elago, and Panay-based organizers such as Bayan-Aklan coordinator Kim-Sin Tugna and poet-activist George Calaor.

“The fact that they are being red-tagged shows that they truly serve the masses who have long been exploited, neglected, and oppressed by the state,” NUPL-Panay said.

Kabataan Partylist, which represents Filipino youth in Congress, has consistently been a target of red-tagging, particularly for its vocal positions on education reform, military presence in schools, and democratic rights. The group has denied any links to communist insurgents and has demanded state accountability for red-tagging practices.

In response to the Dayata incident, NUPL-Panay is calling for an independent investigation into the conduct of the individuals involved, stating that accountability must be ensured to deter future abuses.

“We demand that the government stop its policy of red-tagging and persecution of activists and progressive organizations,” the group said. “We call for independent investigations into these incidents that are genuinely intended to hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Legal experts and civil society advocates have echoed this call, urging the Philippine government to establish stronger safeguards against politically motivated harassment and to uphold the rule of law.

Under current laws, red-tagging is not classified as a criminal offense, making prosecution difficult even when victims face intimidation, surveillance, or violence. Proposed legislation, including the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, has yet to pass Congress despite broad support from rights groups.

In the meantime, NUPL-Panay reiterated its support for the Dayata sisters and urged the public to remain vigilant and supportive of human rights defenders in all sectors.

“As long as voices like theirs continue to speak out, there is still hope for justice, accountability, and true democratic participation in the Philippines,” the group said.