Broadcast journalist Alfonso Tomas "Atom" Araullo has filed a P2.07-million civil suit against former Malacañang official Lorraine Badoy and former New People's Army member Jeffrey Celiz for allegedly red-tagging him.

In his 47-page complaint for damages filed through his lawyer, Rico Domingo of the Movement Against Disinformation, Araullo claimed that the acts of Celiz and Badoy have harmed him personally and professionally.

The journalist was referring to allegedly defamatory statements made by Badoy and Celiz in their television program, "Laban Kasama ang Bayan," aired on the SMNI News Channel.

Araullo also took issue with an online video interview of Celiz posted on the "Today" page on Facebook from early 2022 to the end of January 2023.

He said the episodes subjected him to "utterly false and malicious vilification" by the respondents, who publicly branded him as the "spawn" of active communist leaders.

Araullo's lawyer said the complaint was filed pursuant to Articles 19, 20, 21, 26 and 33 of the Civil Code, which are designed to safeguard every individual's personal rights, human relations and dignity.

He said his client, as a seasoned journalist, television anchor, documentary filmmaker, and co-founder of an independent media organization, has built a credible reputation centered around integrity and truth-telling.

"Given the vital importance of trust in the field of journalism, such defamatory content directly impacts Mr. Araullo's ability to effectively perform his duties and sustain public confidence in his work," the complaint read in part.

Aside from P2.07 million in moral and exemplary damages, Araullo is also seeking attorney's fees and the cost of litigation from the respondents.