On July 30, 2024, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched a two-day public inquiry to investigate the practice of “red-tagging” (i.e. branding individuals or organizations as “terrorist”). Among the participants were the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, and the UN’s Senior Advisor on Human Rights, Signe Poulsen. According to the CHR, the aim of these hearings was to develop a clear definition of the term “red-tagging” as well as policy recommendations for decision-makers on how to deal with “red-tagging.” The results of the inquiry should also help to increase the safety and rights of those affected by “red-tagging.”
Educational institutions in the Philippines are also affected by “red-tagging.” During a hearing on public order and dangerous drugs on August 6, 2024, Senator Ronald dela Rosa published a list from the Philippine National Police (PNP) of 23 educational institutions allegedly involved in the recruitment of members of the communist armed group New People’s Army (NPA). Among the institutions were the University of the Philippines (UP), the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Calinog Campus in Iloilo and the Putian National High School (PNHS) in Cuartero, Capiz. The WVSU and PNHS strongly denied the allegations and demanded clear evidence from the PNP. The allegations would significantly damage the reputation of the educational institutions. The 3rd Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Capiz responded by stating that it could not confirm the PNP’s allegations.
On August 13, 2024, the President of the University of the Philippines (UP) signed an agreement with the AFP to intensify cooperation in the field of research and security. The UP is also on the aforementioned PNP list of educational institutions. UP students and representatives of the UP Office of the Student Regent consider the cooperation as a “threat to the academic freedom of the university.” According to the critics this would make the university complicit in the human rights violations and political repression that the AFP is accused of.
Photo © Commission on Human Rights