The Threat of Red-Tagging Campuses

The recent red-tagging of West Visayas State University-Calinog Campus, UP Visayas, Puti-an National High School and other state universities and colleges (SUCs) by a senator and the Philippine National Police is not just alarming; it is a grave affront to the very principles of human rights and the rule of law.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has explicitly ruled that red-tagging is inimical to human rights, endangering the lives of innocent individuals. This ruling should have been a strong deterrent against such baseless allegations, yet the practice persists, now extending to educational institutions.

These accusations, presented during a Senate hearing led by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, are particularly troubling given Dela Rosa’s controversial history.

As a key figure in the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths under questionable circumstances, Dela Rosa’s involvement raises questions about the credibility and intent behind these claims.

The senator’s insistence on revisiting counter-radicalization policies seems less about protecting students and more about perpetuating a culture of fear and repression.

Red-tagging not only violates the rights of individuals but also undermines the sanctity of educational institutions, which should be havens for critical thinking and open discourse.

The unsubstantiated claims against SUCs, denounced by local officials and school administrators, highlight the reckless nature of these allegations.

The damage done to the reputations of these institutions and the anxiety caused to students and faculty are unacceptable consequences of a tactic that has been widely condemned both domestically and internationally.

It is imperative that the government and its agencies cease this dangerous practice of red-tagging. The lives and futures of our youth should not be jeopardized by unfounded accusations that serve no purpose other than to stifle dissent and promote a climate of fear.

The focus should instead be on fostering a safe and supportive environment where education can thrive without the shadow of baseless persecution.

The fight against insurgency should be grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law. Red-tagging, with its roots in a dark period of our history, has no place in a society that values democracy and the protection of its citizens.

We must demand accountability from those who perpetuate these harmful practices and advocate for a Philippines where every individual’s rights are upheld, and every student can pursue their education free from fear.