Progressive Leaders File Red-Tagging Complaint

By Juliane Judilla

Leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Panay filed a red-tagging complaint against military officers before the Office of the Ombudsman on January 5.

The complainants, Elmer Forro, secretary-general of BAYAN-Panay, and Kim-Sin Tugna, spokesperson of BAYAN-Aklan, accused SSgt. Nathan Dela Cruz and SSgt. Ernel Mallan Mendoza of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion of grave misconduct and constitutional violations.

They alleged the officers persistently red-tagged BAYAN, its members, and other progressive groups through AFP-sponsored programs Spearhead Times and Sundalo Ako ng Bayan.

The programs, broadcast on radio and social media, allegedly linked BAYAN and its members to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as part of a military disinformation campaign.

“Dangerous and baseless red-tagging jeopardizes lives, liberty, and security,” Tugna said.

He also accused the military of making misogynistic and sexist remarks against Rovelyn Tugna, which he claimed violated Republic Act 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.

The complaint referenced the Supreme Court’s 2023 Deduro v. Vinoya decision, which recognized red-tagging as a threat to life, liberty, and security.

BAYAN further alleged that the 301st Infantry Brigade engaged in surveillance, defamatory posts, and troop deployments in civilian areas, infringing on constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, and association.

The group refrained from filing criminal libel charges, citing its belief that libel laws should be decriminalized due to their use against journalists and civil society.

BAYAN called on the Ombudsman to investigate the allegations and hold state forces accountable.

“Together, we must resist repression and defend fundamental freedoms,” the group said.

“BAYAN will not be silenced and remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, human rights, and the Filipino people,” it added.