Red-tagging Meaning
Red-tagging is also called political vilification or red-baiting.
Red-tagging is “the phenomenon of implicating progressive civil group leaders to heinous crimes is called ‘red-baiting.’ (Source: SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in his dissenting opinion on Zarate vs. Aquino III)
It is the “vilification”. ‘labeling’, or guilt by association” of various democratic organizations. These groups are stereotyped or caricatured by the military as communist groups, making them easy targets of military or paramilitary units.” (Source: UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston)
What are the dangers of red-tagging?
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020, suspects of acts of terrorism can be subjected to:
- Surveillance, interception, and recording of communications (Section 16)
- Detention without judicial warrant of arrest (Section 29)
- Restriction on the right to travel (Section 34)
- Freeze of property and funds (Section 36)
What can you do if you are red-tagged?
If you want to file a case for investigation, you may lodge a complaint at the following agencies:
PNP: Please report to your nearest police station or office in your area or dial ‘117’ in case of emergency.
NBI: NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Trunkline: (02) 8523-8231 to 38
Fax: (02) 8526-1216 | 8523-7414
Email: director@nbi.gov.ph
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex, Commonwealth Ave. Diliman, QC.
Hotlines: 0936-068-0982 (TM) | 0920-506-1194 (Smart)
Email: chad.pasco.chr.gmail.com
CHR ‘Tanggol Karapatan Online’ (E-lawyering service):
CHR Investigation Office: 0915-077-0097 (Globe) | 0950-369-9026 (TnT)
CHR Legal Division: elawyering.ld.chrp@gmail.com
Sources:
1. Official Gazette (2020)
2. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020
You may want to read: