SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)- Zambales chapter on Friday condemned the “unlawful and unjust” red-tagging of one of its member who was lawyering for 11 youth activists arrested by government forces last May 1.
In a statement, IBP likewise called on the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to thoroughly investigate, identify and file appropriate cases against those who are responsible for red-tagging Atty. Carlos Castillo Jr., allegedly in connection with his work as legal counsel for the “Zambales 11”.
“As we stand united with Atty. Castillo, we call upon our fellow lawyers, leaders and all the people of goodwill to support our call to stop any form of harassment against lawyers,” the IBP-Zambales said.
A screengrab of the video posted on the Facebook page of Lakbay Kapayapaan that appears to red-tag Atty. Carlos Castillo Jr.
The statement referred to a certain Facebook Page “Lakbay Kapayapaan,” which posted a video of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Joma Sison juxtaposed with the photo of Castillo with the caption, “WAG NA LANG MAG-ABOGADO KUNG TERORISTA ANG TUTULUNGAN MO!!!”
“This is fake news, an affront and a veiled threat to Atty. Castillo who is a respected law practitioner and member of the Philippine Bar for almost two decades already,” said the lawyers’ group.