Red-tagging as a crime?

This push to make “red-tagging” illegal is a bad idea — really bad. Newly-elected Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Rep. Leila de Lima isn’t wasting time — she’s already gunning to outlaw “red-tagging” in the 20th Congress.

For the new House of Representatives solon, never mind that this “genius” of an idea would handcuff law enforcement, muzzle honest debate, and basically roll out the welcome mat for troublemakers. Nothing says “protecting democracy” and letting the guys plotting against it off the hook than this.

For many, the push is a misguided and dangerous proposal that threatens national security and would mess with the tools that actually keep our democracy safe.

It is being sold as a way to stop harassment, but in reality, it will silence legitimate criticism of extremist groups and give a free pass to people trying to stir up chaos in the country.

Red-tagging has become a buzzword to dismiss valid concerns about individuals or groups with ties to communists. The Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), and its political arm, the National Democratic Front, have been waging a violent rebellion for over five decades. They infiltrate activist organizations, schools, and even government institutions to recruit members.

When law enforcement, government officials, and former comrades expose these connections, they are accused of “red-tagging.” This begs the question: Is merely identifying threats a crime?

If calling out legitimate security risks is outlawed, how can we expect the authorities to protect us? Should we wait until an NPA-linked group stages another attack before we are allowed to question their motives?

Arian Ramos, alias “Ka Marikit” — former CPP-NPA-NDFP executive committee member, ex-Gabriela Youth leader, and one-time NPA Guerrilla Front 55 secretary — has a blunt message for Rep. Leila de Lima:

“We are 55,613 (and counting) former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines. We are former Lumad students from Salugpongan and ALCADEV. We are children from the barrios and young people from bakwit schools at UP Diliman and UCCP Haran in Davao City. We are Indigenous Peoples from Talaingod, Davao del Norte. We are farmers from Samar and Cagayan Valley. We are former members of Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, Sabokahan, and even the newly elected Kabataan Party-list.”

Her heartfelt open letter posted on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid =735986358992227&id =100077426090943&rdid= nOmPrcXfVKFsGPtE#) slammed the proposed criminalization of red-tagging as a “gag order on victims,” arguing that exposing extremist recruitment isn’t harassment — it’s accountability.

She said many of them joined the NPA believing they were fighting for justice — until they realized they were just pawns. She claimed they were not red-taggers but survivors exposing how front groups recruit for armed struggle. Communist groups didn’t teach them critical thinking — just blind obedience.

While the anti-red tagging bill may protect activists from persecution, who is really being persecuted here? The farmers extorted by the NPA’s “revolutionary taxes?” The indigenous communities terrorized by rebel raids? The soldiers and police killed in ambushes?

The true victims are ordinary Filipinos who suffer from communist violence while front organizations masquerade as human rights advocates.

Many of these so-called “activists” operate under legal fronts but are documented members of underground movements. Should we ignore intelligence reports just to avoid hurting their feelings? The government has a duty to warn the public about groups that may be conduits for rebellion.

If we criminalize red-tagging, what happens to free speech? Suddenly, anyone — officials, reporters, even regular folk — could get in trouble just for questioning an organization’s ties to communist rebels. Meanwhile, actual front groups would use this law to bully critics, drag security forces to court, and keep operating without consequences.

The NPA — a designated terrorist organization — would gain more freedom to recruit, fund raise, and plan attacks under the cover of “activism.” Shouldn’t truth and accountability matter more than shielding groups with violent ties?”

When violence erupts, the same activists crying “red-tagging” today will be the first to blame the government for failing to protect the people.

The choice is clear.