BAYAN Leaders File Complaint Against Military Red-taggers

ILOILO City – Red-tagging not only endangers lives but also undermines democratic freedoms and human rights.

Leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in Panay filed a complaint against military officers for repeated acts of red-tagging, harassment, and intimidation. The complainants, Elmer Forro, secretary-general of BAYAN Panay, and Kim-Sin Tugna, spokesperson of BAYAN Aklan, lodged the administrative complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman to hold the said officials accountable for grave misconduct and violations of constitutional and civil rights.

The complaint identifies, as respondents, SSgt. Nathan Dela Cruz and SSgt. Ernel Mallan Mendoza of the 3rd Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The said persons repeatedly and consistently used their platforms, the radio programs Spearhead Times and Sundalo Ako ng Bayan, to publicly red-tag BAYAN and its members, other activists, and human rights defenders. These programs, broadcast live on radio and social media, falsely link BAYAN and its members to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Deduro v. Vinoya (July 2023) explicitly recognized the red-tagging of activists as a serious threat to life, liberty, and security. The Court emphasized that such acts are precursors to violence against their victims, including abductions and extrajudicial killings. Articles 26 and 32 of the Civil Code also mandate respect for dignity, privacy, and peace of mind—values red-tagging flagrantly disregards.

More recently, in December 2024, a Regional Trial Court in Quezon City, citing the Deduro decision, ruled in favor of journalist Atom Araullo in a civil suit filed against NTF-ELCAC personalities and SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz for the red-tagging they carried out against Araullo. The decision, among the first applications of Deduro, ordered Badoy and Celiz to pay Araullo more than Php 2.07 million in damages and attorney’s fees. Another civil action for damages for red-tagging, filed by former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño also against Badoy and Celiz is still pending before a Regional Trial Court in Makati City.

In the complaint before the Ombudsman, Tugna laid out how the military officers from the 3rd CMO Battalion falsely labeled him as a member and supporter of the CPP-NPA-NDF. BAYAN, as an organization, has also been a particular target of the military’s red-tagging and disinformation campaign. Dangerous and baseless red-tagging, Tugna argues, jeopardizes the lives, liberty, and security of its individual victims and civil society organizations. Misogynistic and sexist remarks were also made against Rovelyn Tugna, a fellow activist, in violation of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.

This culture of vilification and harassment has extended beyond verbal attacks. Military units under the 301st Infantry Brigade engaged in surveillance operations, posted defamatory statements, and spread fear within communities in Panay by deploying troops in civilian communities. Such actions infringe on free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and recognized under international law.

BAYAN and its leaders urge the Office of the Ombudsman and other institutions to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable. Red-tagging has no place in a democratic society that upholds human rights and the rule of law.

BAYAN calls on all Filipinos to stand in solidarity with activists and human rights defenders. Together, we must resist repression and defend the fundamental freedoms that are the backbone of our democracy. This complaint sends a strong and clear message: BAYAN will not be silenced and remains steadfast in its commitment to fight for justice, human rights, and the welfare of the Filipino people.