A human rights lawyer and a development worker from Negros have petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines for protection, citing threats, harassment, and alleged so-called “red-tagging” linked to their work for marginalized communities. “Red-tagging” means branding individuals or organizations as supporters or members of the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) or as “terrorists.”
Rey Gorgonio, chairperson of the Negros chapter of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), and Joselito Macapobre, a development worker with the Paghida-et Kauswagan Development Group (PDG), filed petitions for writs of amparo and habeas data in Manila on March 5, 2026.
Gorgonio represents farmers, workers, urban poor, political prisoners, and journalists in Negros. “Due to my work in defending them, we have been subjected to intense surveillance to the point of receiving death threats,” he said. Gorgonio received a death threat on January 25, 2026, during a forum opposing a palm oil plantation project in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
Macapobre works with PDG, an NGO supporting small-scale farmers in Negros Occidental, particularly in asserting their land rights. He reported that he and his colleagues have faced attacks from state forces.
Macapobre survived an attempted abduction on January 18, 2026, after delivering seed aid to farmers. Armed men reportedly tried to force him into a waiting van, but he escaped with help from nearby residents.
Writs of amparo and habeas data are legal remedies in the Philippines designed to protect individuals whose rights to life, liberty, and security are threatened.
The human rights alliance Karapatan urged the Supreme Court to grant the petitions, noting that the threats against Gorgonio and PDG staff are “part of a systematic campaign of intimidation and ‘red-tagging’ against political dissenters, human rights lawyers, and development workers.”
Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of Karapatan, said the threats are especially concerning given that Gorgonio’s colleague, former NUPL-Negros secretary general and PDG founder Atty. Benjamin Ramos, was fatally shot in November 2018 by suspected military personnel after being heavily “red-tagged” and closely monitored.
International legal organizations have also voiced support, warning that attacks on lawyers undermine access to justice.
At least 10 lawyers have been killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to NUPL. Three NUPL members also face “trumped-up” terrorism financing charges.
The Supreme Court has previously recognized the dangers of “red tagging.” In a ruling issued on May 8, 2024, the court declared that labeling individuals or organizations as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPA) and its armed wing the NPA can threaten their life, liberty, and security, exposing them to serious human rights violations.
Photo: © Raffy Lerma