MANILA, Philippines — A lawyers’ group on Sunday demanded that Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. be fired for red-tagging and threatening the security of many, including an INQUIRER.net reporter.
The Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL) condemned Parlade’s tirades against reporter Tetch Torres-Tupas over a story on two Aeta men who filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the antiterror law, saying they were victims of illegal arrest and torture by Army soldiers.
“This attack on members of the media for alleged spreading ‘lies’ and propaganda against the terror law, only further chills the people’s right to freedom of expression and is an attack on our constitutional rights,” CLCL said in a statement.
“We call for a stop to this wanton and unrestrained attack on the people through red tagging, that has led to the death of the victims in many occasions, and that Gen. Parlade be fired, not just relieved of his command but from the armed services itself because his acts constitute as threats to the lives and security of many,” it added.
In a Facebook post, Parlade branded Tupas’ story as “fake” and “propaganda.”
Reponding to a question from a netizen whether charges could be filed against Tupas, Parlade said: “Aiding the terrorists by spreading lies? Puede (Yes).”
Several media organizations have called out Parlade for his remarks and expressed alarm over his attempt to sow fear.
Senator Francis Pangilinan has also called for the relief of Parlade while Senator Panfilo Lacson branded the Army general’s statement as “careless” and “totally unnecessary.”